Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture Cultural Update: Regretting Smartphones; Can Moms Have It All?; Assisted Suicide and the Slippery Slope
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Jun 20, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Erik Thoennes, Professor of Theology at Talbot School of Theology, tackles pressing cultural issues. He reveals alarming findings about parental regret over children's early smartphone use and its mental health consequences. The conversation then shifts to assisted suicide, highlighting ethical concerns about autonomy versus societal values. Lastly, the complexities surrounding women's roles emerge, as Thoennes examines the struggles of balancing motherhood and career aspirations from a faith perspective.
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Parents Regret Early Smartphone Access
- Parents now often regret introducing smartphones and social media early to their kids due to rising anxiety, depression, and disconnection.
- Social media platforms are viewed by many parents as more harmful than alcohol or guns.
Delay Kids' Smartphone Introduction
- Delay smartphone use until high school and social media until age 16 to protect kids from online harms.
- Encourage phone-free schools and promote real-world play and responsibility.
Delaying Phones for Kids' Benefit
- Erik Thoennes delayed giving his oldest phone until age 16 and younger children until 18, causing anger but preserving relationships.
- He observed the phone damages connection and distracts from embodied human relationships.
