Skip to main content
MercySeatUSA


  • ​

    ​Practical Help for Parents and Teens

Help for the Hard Moments

When shame, regret, or online bullying strikes, the first response matters most. These resources are designed to help parents and kids navigate those difficult moments with wisdom, calm, and Christ-centered truth.

Online Safety for Parents

A practical overview of the most common online risks facing kids today—from gaming and social media to group chats and AI-driven scams. Designed to help parents stay informed without fear.

Download Guide

Online Language & Slang Guide 

A plain-language reference to common online slang, coded terms, and digital language parents may encounter. Context matters — this guide helps you understand patterns without jumping to conclusions.

Download Guide

How Harmful Online Groups Target Kids

An in-depth look at how some online groups use secrecy, pressure, and manipulation to pull kids in over time. Includes warning signs, escalation patterns, and guidance on how to respond calmly and effectively.

Download Guide

Finding Balance With Technology

Helping your child experience freedom, not restriction.

Technology isn’t the enemy — but without balance, it can crowd out what matters most: rest, relationships, and God’s presence. Creating rhythms of balance helps your child use technology as a tool, not a trap.


Screen-Free Meals

Protect mealtime as sacred for connection and conversation.

Restful Nights

 Keep devices out of bedrooms to support healthy sleep and reduce late-night scrolling.

Digital Sabbath Moments

Set aside regular time, an evening or a full day, to unplug as a family.

Collaborate, Don’t Dictate

Invite your child to shape what balance looks like, so they embrace it.

Model What You Want to See

Let them see you choose presence over screens.


Prioritize What Matters Most

Encourage time with family, friends, and church.

A Generation in Crisis

2× Increase

in teen suicide rates 

over the last decade

1 in 3

teenage girls has seriously considered suicide

7–8 hours

average daily screen

time for teen girls

In the Hardest Moments, Remember...
​Love over Fear

Stay Calm


Your response sets the tone. Breathe, listen, and let them feel safe. Shock or anger can shut the door to honesty.

Reassure


Remind them you are there for them. Let them know “You are loved. You are safe. You are not your mistake.”



Listen with patience

Give them space to share, let them speak before teaching or correcting.

Ask with gentleness

“What do you need right now—comfort, space, or help?” Protect their well-being. Grades, school, and reputation come second. Their life and heart come first.

Silent Signs Your Child May Be Struggling With Social Media

Social media can quietly take a toll on a young person’s heart and mind. While some struggles are loud and obvious, many are silent. By noticing the early signs, parents can respond with love, support, and truth before crisis sets in. Here are some silent signs to watch for.

  •  Mood swings or irritability
  • Preoccupation with appearance or "likes
  • Secretive online behavior
  • Expressions of hopelessness or shame

  •  Withdrawal from family or friends
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Declining interest in activities
  • Drop in grades or focus

You are not alone

Noticing these signs can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to carry the weight by yourself. Mercy Seat is here to walk with you and your child—with truth, prayer, and practical resources that bring hope where shame and silence often live.

Crisis Support

If you or someone you love is in immediate danger, please reach out now:

Prayer and Hope 24-hour Crisis Line: 1-866-599-2264

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
National Runaway Safeline: 1-800-786-2929

Mercy Seat’s Commitment

Mercy Seat is a nonprofit ministry standing in the gap for this generation—offering healing, discipleship, and resources for girls and families struggling with the pressures of social media, shame, and identity loss.

If these resources have encouraged you, we invite you to consider supporting our mission. Your gift helps us walk with young women in their hardest moments and move closer to our vision of a Christ-centered ranch where hope and healing can flourish.

Donate Now