iPads. YouTube. Netflix. How do you raise a child who still knows God?
I once heard a mother sigh as she watched her son glued to his tablet. “It’s like he’s in another world,” she whispered to herself, “I miss when we used to talk.”
If you are a parent today, you’ve probably felt the same way with your children at one point or another. The digital age has given your children incredible opportunities but has also brought new struggles. How do you raise godly children when screens constantly compete for their attention? How do you keep their hearts focused on Christ while living in a world that thrives on distractions?
The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” That means your role is not just to provide for your children but to guide them in wisdom, including how they use technology.
Think of technology like fire; with the right and controlled use, it warms a home, cooks meals, and brings comfort, but when left unchecked, it can burn everything in its path.
Screens can be tools for learning, connection, and even spiritual growth, but without boundaries, they can also pull children away from family, faith, and real-world responsibilities. In a world of constant notifications and endless scrolling, you must teach your children to focus on what truly matters: God, family, and meaningful relationships.
When Screens Take Over, What’s at Stake?
Imagine a family sitting together in the living room, but no one is talking. The father scrolls through his phone, the mother watches a video on her phone, and their children are glued to their tablets. The house is silent, not because there’s peace, but because screens have replaced conversation.
In many homes, screen time, once an occasional distraction, has become a dominating force. The following are at stake when screens take over:
1. A weakened spiritual life.
A child who wakes up and reaches for a phone before a Bible slowly shifts their focus away from God (Matthew 6:33). When social media shapes their identity more than Scripture, their faith is at risk.
2. Emotional and Mental Struggles.
Too much screen time has been linked to anxiety, low self-esteem, and a short attention span. God calls us to renew our minds, but constant digital consumption can clutter children’s thoughts with negativity and comparison.
3. Broken Family Bonds.
It’s heartbreaking when a child shares their day with YouTube, X, IG, etc., instead of you, the parent. Screens often replace real conversations, leaving families disconnected.
4. Exposure to unfiltered influences.
The internet is a highway of ideas, some good and some destructive. Without guidance, children may absorb messages that conflict with biblical truths.
5. Defective Eyesight
Medical experts tell us that elongated screen time is not good for the eyes as adults; how much more dangerous will it be for children who are still in their formative years? The rays from the screen are not very friendly to the human eye; hence, too much exposure to devices begins to cause different eye problems that could have been avoided.
How Do You Take Control?
Technology is woven into the fabric of our daily lives, shaping how we learn and connect. But when screens begin to dictate the rhythm of a home, it’s time to step back and ask: Who is in control?
Bringing balance starts with redefining the role of technology in the home. Rules may seem restrictive initially, but just as God’s commandments were given to protect, not hinder, boundaries around screen time create space for deeper relationships.
Also, children often turn to screens not just for entertainment but for engagement; the best way to curb digital dependence is to offer something better. A child who finds joy in books, music, outdoor play, or serving in church will have little need for mindless scrolling. Real-life experiences become more appealing when they are filled with purpose. And when you lead by example, choosing prayer over notifications and Bible study over endless browsing, you can always lead them to follow your example.
Children learn by watching, not just listening.
Lastly, not all screen time is harmful; the key lies in discernment. When children are guided toward faith-based content, online sermons, and educational resources, technology becomes a tool for growth rather than a distraction. But discernment must be taught. It starts with asking the right questions:
Does this honour God?
Does this build his/her faith?
Learning to filter digital content through the lens of Scripture helps children navigate a world filled with noise, keeping their hearts anchored in the truth.
Technology will continue to evolve, but biblical wisdom remains unchanged. With prayerful guidance and intentional choices, you can raise children who do not simply consume digital content but navigate it with wisdom, keeping their eyes fixed on what truly matters.
