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

Do you&nbsp;really trust your teen to manage their phone&mdash;and the algorithm&mdash;alone? In this episode, Justin and Kylie Coulson tackle a Gold Coast mum&rsquo;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&rsquo;t just a &ldquo;trust&rdquo; issue&mdash;it&rsquo;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
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why filters aren&rsquo;t foolproof&mdash;and why blind trust is even riskier</li>
<li aria-level="1">The hidden danger of &ldquo;friendly&rdquo; algorithms that quickly escalate to violent or explicit content</li>
<li aria-level="1">Justin&rsquo;s experiment that turned his feed dark in just two weeks</li>
<li aria-level="1">The 3 E&rsquo;s of Effective Discipline: Explore, Explain, Empower</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to create family tech agreements that work&mdash;and stick</li>
</ul>
Quote of the Episode &ldquo;We say we don&rsquo;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.&rdquo; &ndash; Justin Coulson
Resources Mentioned
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/qwebinar-managing-screens-at-home">Managing Screens at Home</a> [Webinar] Included in the Happy Families membership.</li>
</ul>
Action Steps for Parents
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Audit together: Sit with your teen and explore what their algorithms are serving them.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Set limits, not locks: Use filters as one layer, but focus on ongoing conversations.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Use the 3 E&rsquo;s: Explore their perspective, Explain your concerns, Empower them to co-create safe screen habits.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Find your village: Connect with like-minded parents to make consistent boundaries easier.</li>
</ol>

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy families podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now.

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Screens, Teens, and the Limits They Secretly Want

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/2a054692-5e00-4f88-b3db-b35100ae4f5a/transcript