The irony of our ultra-digitally connected world is that deep loneliness, isolation, and division have been the unintended product of this new technology. Interestingly, while we see the power this technology has over our lives, especially the lives of young children and teenagers, we often lack the discipline to guard our homes from its influence. Oftentimes, entertainment, convenience, and instant information are chosen over wisdom when it comes to technology.
The verse that most comes to mind when considering how to approach is Ephesians 5:11-14. It says, “Have nothing to do with the things done in darkness, which are not worth anything. But show that they are wrong. It is shameful even to talk about what those people do in secret. But the light makes all things easy to see, and everything that is made easy to see can become light. This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper! Rise from death, and Christ will shine on you.”
The standard we are called to as believers is to be completely above approach. Hearing that stings because we know that often, we are living fast and loose when it comes to morality and technology. It's easy to disconnect our ‘real’ lives from our digital ones, but what we view has an impact on our souls. We can’t get apathetic about digital morality, limits, and protections. Technology can so easily become a gateway into a dark world of sin.
Here are some simple ways we can protect our families when it comes to technology:
1. Limit the Number of Screens in Your Home
One reason technology can so easily swallow up the attention of everyone in our households is that we have devices for everyone! Sitting alone watching a show on a tablet, playing a video game, chatting on a phone, and more keeps us isolated. You can’t have a quality face-to-face conversation when your attention is all on a personal device.
When possible, choose to watch movies as a family, play video games together, and use phones in public spaces in the home. Technology in community is fun, but technology usage always leaves us feeling isolated from one another.
2. Put Off Getting Kids and Teens Smartphones
Research tells us that giving our kids their own cell phones is risky. When they are given their own phone, they are at greater risk of addiction to technology; phones can interrupt sleep and distract them from exercise. Cell phones create an additional parenting hurdle that can strain your relationship when your child is unable to respect the boundaries you’ve put in place for them. Inappropriate behavior is so easy to fall into with cell phones. Media companies are targeting our kids with temptations that can truly cause our kids unimaginable harm.
The mental health of our kids is put at risk when they have their own phones as well as access to social media. Smartphones increase the risk of suicidality and mental distress, have a negative impact on our kid's self-esteem, and so much more! Parents take the time to read these very clear reports that tell us we need to avoid giving our kids their own smartphones until they are close to adulthood.
I know many of us have great reasons for buying those phones, but here are some ways you can stay in touch with your kid when needed without handing them a smartphone. Opt for a shared family phone or set of phones. This way, no one feels it is their personal property. Keep these family phones in a public place in your home when not being used for communication purposes when your kids are out at school or events.
Consider getting a landline! We have an old-school house phone that connects via the internet that costs $14 dollars a month! Not only will this keep your kids safe and give you a way to call them if they are being left home alone, but it will save you a ton of money, too!
Another great option is just to make sure the adults you leave your kids with know your kid needs to use their phone if there's a problem. Here is the deal: no place your kids go will be without access to a phone. We feel like it’s awkward to ask to use other people’s phones, but they all work the same way. Teach your child your phone number and have them be prepared to call you from someone else's phone when it’s time for pickup or if there is an emergency.
3. Pay Attention to Ratings and Content Descriptions
We are living in a time of content overload! Gone are the days when we only had a few choices when it came to afternoon cartoons and more. Consequently, we have to pay attention to what is being consumed in our homes.
This even applies to books! Grabbing just any old book off the library shelf and trusting that it is filled with age-appropriate content is not something we can just expect to be true. We can expect that books for all ages may include content that may not align with our Christian worldview. Diligence has to be practiced in our homes to ensure our eyes are fixed on all that is good and beautiful around us.
I like Common Sense Media when it comes to a quick way to get a sense as to whether a show is appropriate or not. As adults, we also have to be mindful of what we consume. So many shows that may have a great storyline are littered with inappropriate scenes, language, or excessive violence. This sort of content does not belong in our homes.
Social media can be an easy trap for us as adults, too! The compulsion to ‘scroll mindlessly’ is real! Not to mention the pressure social media can place on us and it also can become a sneaky way to make inappropriate contact with others or come across explicit content. I know many marriages that have gone south due to a conversation that started on Instagram Messenger or Facebook Messenger. These apps make it easier to conceal conversations we are having.
Friends, we must not grow weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9)! It can feel easy in the moment to say yes to that show you don’t love, but your kids have been begging to see, to give in to the pressure to give your kids smartphones or to waste time yourself on social media that could be used more intentionally. Though these things may feel good in the short term, the long-term impacts of how we use technology are real. Boundaries are not about taking the fun away. It's about protecting us all from a digital world that is full of temptations and distractions!
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Brothers91
Amanda Idleman is a writer whose passion is to encourage others to live joyfully. She writes devotions for My Daily Bible Verse Devotional and Podcast, Crosswalk Couples Devotional, the Daily Devotional App, she has work published with Her View from Home, on the MOPS Blog, and is a regular contributor for Crosswalk.com. She has most recently published a devotional, Comfort: A 30 Day Devotional Exploring God's Heart of Love for Mommas. You can find out more about Amanda on her Facebook Page or follow her on Instagram.