In a digital age of rapid change, no generation has felt it more than today’s kids and teens—and with screens shaping their world and anxiety rising, it can be hard to know where to even start. This week, Pastors Jesse and Justin hosted a panel discussion including Savannah Swestka, a Cedar Falls Elementary Principal, and Jeff Bell, Hudson Schools At-Risk Director, about the realities they’re facing with students and screens every day.

Discussion

1. Revisit and read John 5:39-40 and James 1:19-22. Allow these passages to inform your approach to conversations with differing perspectives and experiences. What do these passages remind you what’s important when engaging with God and others?

2. A theme of this conversation was that what kids are coming into school with aren’t necessarily different, but they’re now constantly bombarded by it. Regardless of the issue, it’s hard for them to get away from it. Things tend to get bigger and stay around longer. How did this land with you? Can you think of any examples from kids’ lives or your own?

3. Anxiety is a heightened response to perceived threats combined with the belief that I won't have the resources to handle them. Does this definition help you see where anxiety may be in your own life? What connections can you make from the panel sharing about the constant presence of screens and rising rates of anxiety?

4. Both ministry and schools have a desire to partner with parents in raising their kids. And this idea of partnership and unity can be a witness to a watching world. Revisit and read Ephesians 4:2-6. At a time when division is the default, how challenging - but refreshing and inspiring - can it be to represent a different position in how we engage as followers of Jesus? Discuss with your group.

5. What from this conversation, or Pastor John’s teaching last week, are you still thinking about? What’s been most helpful, inspiring, or challenging? What do you need to take with you from this series?

Application

• Learn. Consider reading The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt with a mindset of prayerful reflection for how you can better understand and support the next generation.
• Apply. Identify one practical learning you can take from this series to integrate into your life.
• Pray. For educators, parents, ministry leaders, and your own family. For partnership, unity, and support in navigating the digital world kids are navigating today.