Do you really trust your teen to manage their phone—and the algorithm—alone? In this episode, Justin and Kylie Coulson tackle a Gold Coast mum’s burning question: should parents rely on filtering apps or on trust? Justin shares his eye-opening experiment pretending to be a teenage boy on Instagram (and what the algorithm served up), while Kylie explains why this isn’t just a “trust” issue—it’s a maturity issue. Together they reveal how to set limits that actually protect kids, build accountability, and still keep the relationship strong.

Key Points

• Why filters aren’t foolproof—and why blind trust is even riskier
• The hidden danger of “friendly” algorithms that quickly escalate to violent or explicit content
• Justin’s experiment that turned his feed dark in just two weeks
• The 3 E’s of Effective Discipline: Explore, Explain, Empower
• How to create family tech agreements that work—and stick

Quote of the Episode
“We say we don’t like the restraints, but we actually need them. Just like a roller-coaster harness, limits keep our kids safe when life turns upside down.” – Justin Coulson

Resources Mentioned

• Managing Screens at Home [Webinar] Included in the Happy Families membership.

Action Steps for Parents

1. Audit together: Sit with your teen and explore what their algorithms are serving them.
2. Set limits, not locks: Use filters as one layer, but focus on ongoing conversations.
3. Use the 3 E’s: Explore their perspective, Explain your concerns, Empower them to co-create safe screen habits.
4. Find your village: Connect with like-minded parents to make consistent boundaries easier.

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