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For today’s children and teens, culture is always changing. This month we have talked about three crises facing this generation: a sexual revolution, the drug/alcohol revolution, and a self-identity revolution. Crisis #4 is a technology revolution.

In my lifetime, technology has changed just about everything. Much of that change has been for good. Technology has made life easier in many ways. However, the technology revolution has had some negative consequences as well. Children are exposed to many negative aspects of culture at a younger and younger age through television, computers, tablets and phones. If you spend any time at all talking with parents and grandparents, the topic of screen usage is bound to come up.

How can we take a balanced approach to technology, allowing our children to use it and grow with it, while also protecting them from the negative influences that can enter our homes through screens? We must begin by becoming students of the culture. How do we do that? Listen to what they listen to. Watch what they watch. Read what they read. Screen time should not be done “privately” for children. Be an active part of their interaction with technology.

What should we do?

  1. Evaluate everything your child sees and hears. Know what they are watching and listening to and decide if it is good for them and glorifying to God.
  2. Examine your own behavior. Are you always on your phone? How many hours do you veg out in front of the t.v.? Your actions influence your children’s behavior.
  3. Enter into dialogue with your children and teens. (Not a monologue…a dialogue). Talk with them about what they are looking at and listening to. Share your thoughts in a way that encourages them to share their thoughts with you! Teach them to keep personal information off the internet. Teach them that the internet is a tool, not a toy. Staying in conversation with your child/teen will go a long way to keeping them safe.
  4. Develop a media contract. Put in writing what the rules regarding media and technology are. Everyone in the family signs it. Include the amount of time spent on technology, the type of things that can be watched. What is acceptable and what is not. Make sure to include a phrase that specifically says parents can check phones, computers, apps, and social media. If you would like ideas for what to put into a technology contract, send me an email. I would be happy to send you some examples.

We don’t have to be afraid of technology, but we must be wise about how it is used in our families. Let’s take the time to teach our children to use and enjoy technology in a safe way.