Uncovering the Darker Side of the Digital Age

What was the most eye-opening thing you discovered making “CONNECT”?

Kirk: One of the things that surprised me the most was talking with a neurosurgeon about the chemical reaction that happens in the brain of a teenager when the majority of their friendships are online. When that teen posts a picture, and friends give a thumbs up or like on the post, this triggers a chemical reaction in their brain that causes them to be addicted to using their phones. Take away the phone, and watch what happens. The teen goes into serious withdrawals, panicking and angry. It’s not only an emotional habit—it’s also a physical and chemical thing that’s been rewired in their brain to create an addiction.

For the parents who haven’t been paying attention or implemented limits/monitoring, where can they start to do so?
Kirk: First thing I would do is learn about it from people you trust. A good book is Screens and Teens by Dr. Kathy Cook, who’s in “CONNECT.” Watch the “CONNECT” movie. In it, we share testimonies from young people and parents, so it’s a great resource.

What do you hope parents leave with after they’ve seen “CONNECT”?
Kirk: If you go see “CONNECT,” I hope you leave hopeful, educated and empowered to learn how to stay connected with your kids so that together you can navigate the social media world. There’s nothing that can’t be fixed if you’re in a relationship with your kids. If your kids get into trouble or make mistakes—and they will—having a relationship with them allows you to talk with them about how to fix it and move forward. If you don’t know how they’re doing, you won’t be able to help them.

More About “Kirk Cameron: CONNECT”
This special two-night cinema event offers real help for parenting kids in a social media world. In an online world that creates an illusion of reality and “friends” through social media, apps and followers, “Kirk Cameron: CONNECT” pulls back the curtain to the benefits, dangers and boundaries that every parent, teacher, pastor or youth leader should consider while monitoring and utilizing technology in our children’s lives.

“God-fearing parents can find confidence and guidance when it comes to the challenges of parenting in our technology-driven world, knowing that God has fully equipped us for the sacred calling as a parent,” Kirk said in a press release about the documentary. “We have resources to prepare our children as they learn their purpose and identity, and responsibly use technology to understand family, friends, God and the world around them.”