Popular Culture
Today’s culture is full of influences — from Netflix shows to bestselling books, music, and online content. This category offers thoughtful Christian perspectives on the latest films, trends, and media your children are likely to encounter. Discover how to engage with popular culture critically and constructively, helping your family navigate entertainment through a biblical lens.
5 ways Christian parents can help their youth and children combat the impact of social media algorithms
Christian parents can help their children broaden their sources of online information - Andy Flannagan explains how
What The Celebrity Traitors reveals about the human heart — and why Christian parents should care
Beneath the cloaks and candlelight of The Celebrity Traitors lies a powerful lesson about the human heart. Alice Pinney believes that for Christian parents, this BBC hit offers a creative doorway into talking with children about truth and redemption
How Christian parents can help their families navigate disagreement in their communities
Everyone being made in the image of God is the starting point for good dialogue and disagreement - Andy Flannagan explores why
Sketch is a film that will help Christian families stop and consider their emotions and take them to Jesus
Charles Merritt thinks that the latest offering from Angel Studios will be helpful for Christian parents looking to help their children open up about their feelings
Christian parents can embrace the 6-7 meme and enjoy their children’s nonsense
On the face of it the 6-7 meme doesn’t make any sense, but Tabitha Heathcote says that doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing for Christian families
How Christian parents can help their families navigate political turmoil
Andy Flannagan offers hope to Christian parents who are concerned about the impact of the culture wars on their children and young people
How Taskmaster can inspire your family to celebrate God-given creativity
Taskmaster might look like a silly game show, but behind the chaos lies something surprisingly profound. It’s a programme that brings families together, sparks laughter, and reminds us how wonderfully creative God has made each of us
Disney’s latest teen music drama, Electric Bloom, is classic Disney but there is plenty Christian parents can usefully reflect on with their tweenagers
Dawn Kay dives into the Disney world of Electric Bloom. With its themes of friendship, difference and identity, there are plenty of opportunities for faith conversations in the home
Despite the dark exterior Wednesday has themes Christian parents should welcome and lean into with their families
Part 2 of season 2 of the Netflix hit series Wednesday is out this month - Lisa Skinner weighs up the pros and cons of watching it as a family
Christian parents can use KPop Demon Hunters to explore the gospel
KPop Demon Hunters’ climactic song ’What It Sounds Like’ takes us close to the good news of Jesus. Michael J Tinker explains how…
What Christian parents need to know about caffeine pouches
Caffeine pouches are easily available and pose a number of risks for youth and children - Ellie Willcock unpacks this latest fad
Stories like Harry Potter can help Christian parents aid their young people through the 3 key challenges of adolescence
Adolescents face huge questions around identity, belonging and purpose and the best answers come from the gospel - Gareth Crispin explains why
4 takeaways for Christian parents from David Attenborough’s new BBC animal documentary: Parenthood
Gareth Crispin explores how the latest offering from the BBC provides lots of opportunities for Christian parents to reflect on parenthood
4 ways Christian parents can engage with the latest TikTok trend: Aura farming
Alice Pinney digs into this latest iteration of online image curation and has helpful reflections for Christian parents
Fantastic Four: First Steps can help youth and children see the Church in a new light
Charles Merritt thinks that this latest Marvel offering has a lot to say about the value of the church as family
Christian parents can usefully use KPop Demon Hunters to explore themes of idolatry and the Kingdom of God with their family
It might sound unlikely but Charles Merritt shows how this latest film from Netflix is a great springboard for great family faith conversations
Building the Band - The new Netflix show Christian parents should know about
Musician Michael Tinker is pleasantly surprised with Building the Band - not only does it provide some interesting discussion starters for young people, the music and format are quite good too!
Summer glow-up or comparison burnout: The perfection trap for young people
In summertime, social media floods with images of ‘glow-ups’, smoothie cleanses, intense workouts, miracle beauty products, and wellness routines promising an idealised version of health and happiness. At first glance, setting a goal of becoming healthier and happier seems harmless. But scratch beneath the surface, and you’ll quickly see that the wellness industry, far from being about well-being, is a multi-billion-pound machine built on selling us the promise of improvement while profiting off our insecurities. The cost of buying into this cycle, financially, emotionally, and mentally, is significant, and it’s time we ask: who’s really ……
Superman film (2025) – What does it mean to be good?
Film: Superman (2025)
Mufasa: The Lion King is a picture of life after exams and school
At the end of last year, the Disney film Mufasa: The Lion King came out. I highly recommend it. It’s a story about trial and triumph, fighting and freedom – perhaps providing some much-needed inspiration for many young people who are bemoaning the stress of school. Many have finished their exams and are enjoying the clear skies and clear diaries; yet it will be a couple of weeks before others break up from school. This is the time to remind young people of that ancient wisdom, ‘work hard, play hard!’
Christian parents should not let their children watch the new Harry Potter series
As an ex ‘new-ager’I want to share some concerns about parents letting their children watch TV series and films like the new Harry Potter series on HBO.
Christian parents should be fine with letting their children watch the new Harry Potter series
When I was younger, the Harry Potter books were still coming out. I remember my dad specifically taking my older sister to wait outside the bookshop to get a copy of The Deathly Hallows – and then, horror upon horror! – making her go to bed rather than read it through the night.
Lilo and Stitch – Finding life after death
Film: Lilo and Stitch
Raising youth and children in the age of AI: A Christian parent’s guide
AI such as ChatGPT can be fascinating for children and young people. It can deliver a wealth of information in split seconds and can even be conversed with. But with ethical concerns about plagiarism, reports of AI addiction, and even the threat of AI becoming sentient, how should we talk to our children about AI?
Trussell reports food poverty is increasing: Christian parents and churches can provide hope in these difficult times
You don’t have to look very hard to see that the majority of people in the UK are feeling the pinch of the cost-of-living crisis. Our money has to stretch further. Our jobs have become more unstable. The price of food has risen. We know that some people have to make a choice between heating and eating. But how bad is it really? What can we do as Christians to help alleviate some of the pressures from the families we might know. And how, as a Christian, can I survive in the middle of it all, living in a house with one income, three children and a high rent bill each month?
Thunderbolts* – Redemption in the face of darkness
It’s been a bumpy road since Endgame but this is a fantastic addition to the Marvel universe because it’s actually able to stand on its own as a good film.
Fiction as a faith‑builder: How Christian parents can use stories in discipleship
Long ago, before my husband and I had children, we were staying with a family who had teenagers. Together we watched a TV series featuring an alcoholic. I was surprised that the parents allowed their young people to watch it, but the ensuing discussion proved invaluable.
Snow White – A kingdom of love, not fear
Film: Snow White
As Gareth Southgate considers a generation of lost boys here are some reflections for Christian parents
In recent weeks, the success of the Netflix drama Adolescence, with its visceral depiction of a teenage boy’s crime and its effects on his family, has led to widespread conversation on boys and masculinity. Sara Taylor has already helpfully explored ways in which this might inform parents in their relationship with kids.
The new Netflix series Adolescence raises difficult but essential issues for Christian parents to grapple with
Few television shows capture the emotional chaos of growing up as honestly as Netflix’s latest series, Adolescence. Diving deep into the complex struggles faced by young people today, this is more than just a typical coming-of-age drama. With its innovative use of single-take episodes, its raw and poignant cinematography immerses you into a world of identity crises, societal pressure, online dangers, and the hidden pain of those caught in the fallout of serious mistakes.
Helping your teen navigate Snapchat: A Christian parent’s guide to helping them flourish online
In today’s digital world, social media is a big part of many teens’ lives. Snapchat, with its disappearing messages, fun filters, and real-time updates, is particularly popular among young people. While these features can offer entertainment and connection, they also bring risks that parents need to be aware of. As Christian parents, it can be challenging to help our teens navigate platforms like Snapchat while keeping them safe, grounded in faith, and aware of the potential dangers. This guide will help you find that balance.
New Disney+ series for children Win or Lose has an openly Christian character in it, but that doesn’t mean it’s a complete cause for celebration
I’ve always loved Disney. I love the music, the predictability and the comfort of the familiar hero storyline. I marvel at the ability for its message to speak to 5-year-old me whilst still speaking to 45-year-old me, that’s meant that Disney has become a timeless classic in my life. There have however been some recent controversies, for example around Disney’s latest move to introduce characters who are gay (Strange World (2022) and Buzz Lightyear (2022)). This led some Christians to unsubscribe from Disney+. As a family we chose to keep our subscription. My children are now 21, 19 and 17, so Christian discussions around the cultural topics that Disney are highlighting are much easier. However, for many others, the way in which Disney portrayed gay characters accompanied by price hikes saw them choosing to cancel their subscriptions.
Nicotine pouches might not be as bad as smoking, but Christian parents need to know about this new fad on the street
Max (a 16-year-old boy) and Ollie (a youth worker in his mid-twenties) are at a youth club for young people aged 11-18. The discussion starts like this…
Captain America: Brave New World – Can people change (beyond turning into a Hulk…)?
It’s been a while since we’ve had a smaller scale story in the Marvel Cinematic Universe – MCU – based on earth and it was a nice change of pace to have a story with more personal stakes than an alien invasion.
Knife Crime: What parents need to know and what they can do
Knife crime is a devastating issue affecting communities across the UK. It’s a crisis ripping through communities, leaving families shattered and futures stolen. Across the UK, and especially in cities like London, young people are being pulled into violence, not because they want to hurt others, but because fear leaves them feeling like they have no choice. The numbers don’t lie. Knife crime is rising, lives are being lost, and entire communities are being scarred.
Supporting a child who has been abused
Are you clear about what you would do?
Famous online? Helping your child navigate the allure of social media
Which social media do you find most attractive?
Imaginative ways of celebrating Jesus’ birth, without fearing the credit card bill in January
What do you spend on Christmas?
Why we should talk to our children about the New Age
How aware are you of New Age?
The enduring appeal of Dr Marten boots and walking with Jesus…
Have you ever owned a pair?
Your Christmas chocolate is probably tainted. Here’s a Christian response
Have you looked into the background of your favourite chocolate bar?
What does the new Online Safety Bill mean for our kids?
Premier NexGen spoke with Kevin Doran, Premier’s director of Public Affairs about how this legislation has come about
‘Does our style of church services put young people off?’: Dan Blythe on the challenge of reaching Generation Z
Did you enjoy listening to talks growing up?
‘When you dress up for Halloween, you give the devil the legal rights to change your identity!’
How was Halloween celebrated in your childhood?
How do you talk to your teen about their appearance?
Was your appearance a concern for you growing up?
What you need to know about vaping as a Christian parent
Do you know a young person who vapes?
Spotlight on… The Boys’ Brigade
An insight into a Christian charity or ministry that you may like to know about.
7 reminders for youthworkers following the Mike Pilavachi investigation
Have you ever been alarmed by someone’s behaviour in youthwork context?
Spotlight on… Artless Theatre Company
This is an occasional post where we give you an insight into a Christian charity or ministry that you may like to know about.
How Christian parents can keep their children safe from dangerous lyrics
Did you have any limits placed on your music listening?
3 ways to help your children stick to the faith in a culture that teaches them to rebel
Did you go through a teenage rebellion?
The TikTok pranker and social media: beware of the race to the bottom
Have you ever followed someone you found to be ultimately unhelpful?
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