The Father’s Guide to Raising Kids Safely in a Digital World

In this solo episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I dive into one of the greatest challenges facing parents today: raising kids in the digital age. Between iPhones, TikTok, YouTube, and even AI tools like ChatGPT, technology is moving at lightning speed—and as fathers, we can’t afford to bury our heads in the sand.   I share three powerful strategies that will help you set the right boundaries for your kids without putting them in “tech prison.” From creating guardrails with apps like Bark, to implementing a family tech contract, to modeling discipline with our own devices, this episode is about protecting our kids while also preparing them to navigate the digital world with responsibility and confidence.     TIMELINE SUMMARY [0:00] - Welcome to the Dad Edge movement and today’s focus on raising kids in the digital age [1:02] - Why technology is moving faster than parents can keep up [2:11] - Why this generation is the first to face AI, smartphones, and social media all at once [3:08] - Introducing Dad Edge Alliance and Boardroom Brotherhood for fathers [4:00] - Strategy #1: Set guardrails, not walls, around tech use [4:58] - The rookie mistake of limiting apps without realizing kids just switch platforms [6:12] - Workarounds kids use to bypass phone restrictions [7:05] - Why apps like Bark provide a real solution for parents [7:25] - Strategy #2: Create a family tech contract with clear boundaries and accountability [8:42] - Examples of contracts around bedtime, screen-free zones, and check-ins [8:59] - Strategy #3: Model discipline by living the same tech rules as your kids [9:56] - Why hypocrisy in tech rules undermines your authority [11:14] - Setting boundaries with work and modeling digital discipline at home [12:22] - The Bark app, Bark phone, and Bark watch explained [14:05] - Why I don’t allow TikTok or YouTube for my younger kids [14:54] - The Bark watch for younger kids as a safe, affordable option [15:31] - Final recap of the three strategies for digital parenting [16:13] - Closing encouragement and link to resources     5 KEY TAKEAWAYS   1. Guardrails Beat Walls Complete restriction creates rebellion. Guardrails, not tech prisons, teach kids to manage technology responsibly while keeping them safe. 2. Apps Aren’t Foolproof Kids can and will find workarounds. Relying only on built-in phone restrictions isn’t enough—you need smarter tools like Bark to stay ahead. 3. Contracts Create Clarity A family tech contract sets clear expectations for screen time, apps, and accountability. Clarity prevents arguments and keeps kids accountable. 4. Model the Discipline You Preach If you tell your kids “no phones at dinner,” but you’re scrolling, the rule collapses. Fathers must live the same digital discipline they demand. 5. Your Kids’ Tech Is Your Business Phones, apps, and online behavior aren’t private property for minors. Fathers must stay engaged, set boundaries, and protect their kids in the digital age.       LINKS & RESOURCES   Bark App & Devices (Protect your kids online): https://www.thedadedge.com/bark Episode Show Notes Page: https://www.thedadedge.com/1377 Dad Edge Podcast Website: https://www.thedadedge.com/podcast Join The Alliance (career-driven dads): https://www.thedadedge.com/alliance Dad Edge Boardroom (entrepreneurial dads): https://www.thedadedge.com/boardroom 25 Questions to Spark Connection With Your Partner: https://www.thedadedge.com/25questions     If this episode gave you clarity on parenting in the digital age, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Together, we’re raising a generation of kids who are safe, confident, and prepared for a digital world.