Hello Reader,

Summer is almost here—which means more sunshine, more free time, and often… more screen time.

And that matters more than we think.

One recent report found that kids ages 8–17 may spend 42% more unstructured time online during summer break than during the school year. Because of this, there are more opportunities for accidental exposure to pornography, online predators, and other harmful content.

When kids are out of school, routines loosen up. They may stay up later, have more unsupervised time, and spend longer stretches online.

The good news? A simple summer plan can make a big difference.

Here are three Defend Young Minds articles to help you create one:

• 8 Screen-Free Activities for Fun Face-to-Face Time This Summer​
  ​This article is full of doable ideas like park days, organized playgroups, community events, time with grandparents, e-free days, tech baskets, and service projects. The goal isn’t to ban all screens—it’s to help kids choose people over screens. Read the article here.
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• 4 Fun Ways to Ditch Devices and Embrace Summer Adventures​
  ​This one encourages families to make a Summer Bucket List, decide what role screens will play, check filters and parental controls, and prioritize shared experiences. I especially love this reminder: don’t let screens creep in where they weren’t invited. Read the article here.
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• 5 Simple Ways to Build a Closer Family This Summer​
  ​Summer is a wonderful time to build connection through simple traditions, conversations, shared work, play, and intentional time together. A strong family connection is one of the best protective factors kids can have in a digital world. Read the article here.

Before summer takes off, gather your kids and make two lists:

☀️ A fun bucket list of screen-free activities
📱 A screen-time strategy for when, where, and how devices will be used

You don’t need a perfect plan. You just need a simple one.

And remember—every walk, board game, popsicle, service project, bedtime story, and honest conversation helps your child build a life that is bigger, richer, and safer than anything a screen can offer.

Need help when it comes to safeguarding your family's technology this summer? Download our free Digital Safety Planner!

Kindly,

Kristen

P.S. Check out this endorsement:

"In Good Pictures Bad Pictures Guide for Girls, Kristen Jenson takes away the pressure and uncertainty parents likely feel in talking to their daughters about a sensitive topic. You owe it to your daughter to talk to her about pornography, because our culture definitely will. Kristen helps you handle these conversations like a pro!"
- Sam Black, Covenant Eyes Director of Recovery Education

Don’t let important conversations with your daughters pass you by. My latest book helps make those conversations easier.

Help other parents find this important resource by leaving a review on Amazon 🩷