An Open Letter to Families on the Internet.One of the most disturbing trends that I find in Christian homes as a pastor is the
unlimited and
unregulated access that kids at home have to the internet.
I want to be very clear, this trend is extremely dangerous and spiritually harmful to children. In my 15 plus years working with families in the local church, I can recount to you horror stories about the demonic activity that kids have found on the internet or worse, the demonic activity that has found them. Today, the harmful and dangerous content of the internet is not limited to just pornography.Statistics show that over 50% of children in the home are surfing the web without any parental supervision. Now that the internet is here to stay, it has created another world and this "other world" that teens and children are living in is another sphere in which we
must shepherd and parent our children. The biblical values that we seek to pass along to our children must include the online world as well.It is important for us to remember that there are no rules that govern the Internet, so anyone can set up a website for any purpose. There are websites that:
- Explain how to grow, process and use drugs
- Advocate hate or anarchy
- Sell stolen products
- Show how to make a fake ID
- Tell children growing up in Christian homes how to de-convert
- Show children how to explore their sexuality
For all the good the internet provides, there is just as much bad. Children do not possess the wisdom nor the discipline to recognize all the evil that can be found on the internet. It is up to us as parents to help them learn to use the internet wisely.It is a HUGE challenge to parent in this 21st century digital age. To meet this challenge, we must get up to speed on what those challenges are. My challenge to parents (and grandparents) is not to ignore the internet when it comes to parenting, but be wise about it. Here are some Biblical and practical tips for protecting your children online:
- Do not allow your child to have unlimited and unregulated access to the internet. PLEASE!
- Understand that a "phone" in todays vernacular is actually a computer.
- Install a filter/blocker/monitor on your home computer and internet enabled devicesTODAY!
- For older children, consider purchasing a Circle. Circle is a device that allows parents to filter content, limit screen time, and set a bedtime for every device in the home. Click here.
- Practice internet accountability with your child so that you will know specific areas to target when talking to your teen about their online habits. Covenant Eyes is wonderful for this. Click here.
- Communicate with your teenager about the blessings and curses of the internet. Get some wisdom here!
- Don’t assume they are innocent with their internet use, BUT, don’t assume they are guilty without open, honest communication and internet use.
- Consider taking a technology or social media sabbath with your children.
Hard questions to ask as a parent (or grandparent):
- Are you handing over the iPad or "pick your flavor screen" with no protection to younger children?
- Have you ever asked your child if they have viewed pornographic images online?
- Is your child communicating with someone online they do not know?
- Is your teenager sleep-deprived because they are staring at their phone into the wee hours of the morning?
- Has your child been solicited online?
- Do you want your child to come to you with their questions about life, God, sex, etc... or do you want them to search Google for these answers?
I'm sorry if this article comes to you as matter-of-fact and overly-convicting, but as a pastor and as your friend, I feel deeply burdened for our homes to remain safe and morally pure. The best way for you to do this is to protect your child not just from external threats, but the dangers that can come to them through the internet. I write these things to you because I love you and care for your family. It is both the home and and the church that partners together to train up our children in the way of godliness. If I can ever encourage you, pray for you or help you with any of these matters, please let me know.Here is some wisdom for us all on these matters:How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes! With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. (Psalms 119:9–16 ESV)
Looking forward to worshipping with you on this Lord's Day!
