Chris McKenna - Protect Young Eyes

Talk Trafficking

Prior to Interview: Clip of Chris McKenna testifying before the United States Congress.

In this conversation, Chris McKenna, the founder of Protect Young Eyes, stresses the essential role of parents in educating their children about technology and the digital world. He emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation of trust and communication between parents and children and the key role of modeling and authentic connection in helping kids navigate digital spaces. Chris also explains the five layers of protection, with the relationship layer being the most critical. He underscores the significance of routers in creating a safe digital environment and explains the importance of grandparents understanding digital safety.

Chris provides practical tips for parents and grandparents to connect with their children and grandchildren and how to engage in digital safety. He also explains the EARN IT Act and the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), highlighting the need for federal legislation to protect children online. Chris addresses the challenges in passing meaningful protections and underscores the role of parents in safeguarding their children from online predators. He provides key actions parents can take, such as practicing parent-led ownership of internet-connected devices and monitoring their children's online activities. The conversation emphasizes the need for intentional conversations and a culture of parental engagement and control in the digital world.
Update to Episode: President Biden signed the REPORT Act into law on May 7, 2024.

To learn more about Protect Young Eyes, please visit their website HERE.

To learn more about the Yellowstone Human Trafficking Task Force, please visit our website HERE.

Host: Penny Ronning
Writer: Penny Ronning
Producers: Penny Ronning, Ty Lowe
Editor: Ty Lowe
Sound Designer/Engineer: Ty Lowe
Music: Ty Lowe, Konstantin Klimov
Graphic Design: Rae Clark
Website: Justin Townsend

Chris McKenna Bio

Chris McKenna, founder of Protect Young Eyes (PYE) is a former consultant and youth ministry director. He has authored resources for families and churches on digital safety and pornography. His 2019 US Senate testimony catalyzed new online child protection laws and earned PYE the Dignity Defense Alert Award.

Chris is an advisor to legislators and global tech companies on policies and feature improvements. The PYE team performs hundreds of presentations globally and was featured in the film Childhood 2.0.

Chris is married to Andrea, enjoys family road trips, nature, running, and candy, and is a father to four.

Instagram: instagram.com/protectyoungeyes

Facebook: facebook.com/protectyoungeyes

Website: protectyoungeyes.com