Digital dangers: “Be sober, be vigilant”
The Word of God is timeless and although there may not be specific references in the Bible to the technologies that have been introduced over the centuries, the Bible is very clear on the love of sin, ourselves and the world that is in our fallen natures. John Calvin wrote that “the human heart is a perpetual idol factory” and those who know anything of their sinful hearts will say ‘yea and Amen’ to this observation. The danger of any idol is that it draws our hearts away from following and worshipping God, and the apostle John ended his first epistle with the words Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen (1 John 5:21). How we need as Christians to be kept from making idols of technology and keeping our children and grandchildren from the dangers of becoming obsessed/engrossed with technology.
The exhortation And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4) and Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6) are as relevant in our technology-driven age as ever. The dangers faced by grandparents and parents, in their childhood, were mainly physical – for example, predators/abusers (‘stranger dangers’), playing near water or on railway lines, bullying (where at least home would be a place of safety from bullies). Playing with others indoors and outdoors was part of growing up and developing social skills and friends (in some cases, for life).
Up until the 19th century, the speed of communication was limited to that of the horse, the railway and telegraphy. The 20th century saw the rise of telephony, mass communications, the car, the wireless/radio, transistors, microchips, desktop computers and the Internet. The 21st century has seen the increased portability and pervasiveness of computers both in the workplace and the home, and the use of microchips in everyday household equipment and cars. Perhaps, the most ‘significant’ impact on society has been the introduction of the smartphone that is capable of many functions; and on the back of this, the rise of social media.
Whereas parenting in the past may have been similar to previous generations, parents today are faced with raising children who are surrounded and immersed in technology. (How often do we consider that the danger of being immersed is that you might drown!) For some children and young people, the screen is the only ‘window’ that they look through and the digital world is the one that they mainly inhabit. Yet the digital world is far more dangerous than the physical one known by parents and grandparents.
Whether, it is the physical or the digital world, the questions “do you know where your children are?” and “what they are doing?” are still important. If the answer to the question is, “they are in their bedroom on their computer, tablet, or smart phone”, then has the question been fully answered?
One aspect of the digital age that, perhaps, could not have been foreseen, is the way social media platforms and apps have impacted on the way we think, the use of our time and behaviour – to the point of being addictive, obsessive and all-consuming. It has been observed that children and young people are often attached to their screens and not to those around them – can this be said of us as adults? What role model are we to those around us?
We recently received an email from America, highlighting a documentary that raises the dangers of social media, ‘Childhood 2.0’. The documentary is for anyone who wants to better understand the world children are navigating as they grow up in the digital age. Featuring parents and children as well as industry-leading experts in child safety and development, the documentary dives into the real-life issues facing kids today — including cyberbullying, online predators, self-harm, suicidal ideation, sexual content, predatory behaviour, anxiety and depression.
The contributors are from a range of backgrounds including those who work with churches. All the contributors have a concern for what is happening to children and young people in the digital world and the need to make parents and others aware of the dangers they face. The documentary is 90 minutes in length, although there are points where breaks can be taken, such as when topics change. The documentary makers also have identified that the film contains mature subject matter and may not be suitable for some children.
Having watched the documentary, it does highlight how the battle for the minds of children and young people goes beyond the classroom and, in many cases, into their daily life and ‘bedroom’. The content of the documentary is stark in places and the point might be made that surely this cannot happen to my children. Perhaps it is to be better to be forewarned and forearmed rather than not being aware at all.
Before venturing to raise awareness of this documentary, viewer feedback has been sought from parents who are faced with the challenges of bringing up children in the digital world. The feedback was encouraging and the following point was made: “It (the documentary) is hard-hitting but on point. Some may find parts of it a bit raw and explicit, but at the same time sadly these are realities of the day in which we are living in and need to be exposed and addressed”.
Although the documentary is challenging, the concluding messages are very much around the need to create an environment where your child can speak freely with you about the issues they are facing. Sometimes this is not easy and how we have had to prove If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him (James 1:5), and perhaps most importantly, expressing your love to your children when they are in difficult places – after all they are a precious gift, given to us of the Lord.
The point is also made that technology can bring benefits, however there is a need to invest in the education of your children so they can live in the digital world safely. One contributor makes the point that “the best filter that your child will develop is the one between the ears”. Allied to this is the need for parents to be ‘tech savvy’, again not easy but nonetheless necessary.
The documentary ‘Childhood 2.0’ can be found by clicking here.
There is also supporting document: ‘A Handbook for Raising Kids in the Digital Age’. The handbook is divided into the areas covered by the documentary and each area has a short explanation, possible actions, a list of helpful resources and conversation starters. The handbook can be found by clicking here.
Before closing this post, perhaps we should reflect that as Christians there is a need to walk circumspectly in our use of technology and digital media and to put on the whole armour of God wherever we are found. Also, we ought to examine our hearts, for we have a responsibility to steward our use of technology and digital media – are we using it to the honour and glory of the Lord or for our own self-gratification?
CViE would hope to write more on this topic in the future, in the meantime we would point you to the following resources that may be of help parenting children in the digital age.
Resources and further reading
CViE: Screen Safety and Security – A practical guide. This leaflet was prepared in response to feedback from parents requesting information on the tools available to assist with managing screen safety and security. Three main areas are considered: content management, time management and social media together with reference to biblical principles. The guide can be downloaded by clicking here and hard copies are still available by contacting enquiries@cvie.org.uk If the Lord will, CViE is hoping to develop further the area on its website relating to screen safety resources. We would also be pleased to hear from anyone who has come across particular resources that they found helpful and may be of use to others, please contact us on the email above. Equally, we would welcome anonymised experiences that parents, or others may have walked through that could be shared to help those who may be faced with a similar situation – strengthen thy brethren.
Plugged In Parent’s Guide to Technology and Entertainment. One of the strengths of this guide is the section on “the brain and technology” as it highlights the effect that technology has had on our brains particularly in terms of influencing people’s attitudes and behaviour and in some cases leading to addiction and increase mental anxiety e.g. body image. The use of the word entertainment is an interesting one in the sense of the word meaning “something diverting or engaging”, to which might be added ensnaring. The guide can be found by clicking here.
Plugged In Parent’s Guide to Today’s Technology This online guide seeks to answer the question “As Christian parents, how are we to respond to the pace of technological change? How do we help guide our children’s choices and habits in this realm, both practically and from a spiritual point of view?” Being online means that the guide will be updated as new developments emerge. Reference is made in the guide to “walk circumspectly” and makes the following point “In other words, don’t just mindlessly absorb and consume what you’re walking through. Instead, look up, look around, and be aware of the influences that seek to shape our hearts and minds in ways that are at odds with a biblical faith and worldview”. The online guide can be found by clicking here.
Sensible (Bare Minimum) Screen-Limits This is a useful article by Jonathan McKee (an author on safe and sensible use of the Internet). The article deals with the challenges of parenting the ‘screen generation’, the need to discuss with children the use of technology and the setting of boundaries. The bare minimum boundaries identified are: delay screen ownership, teach children and young people to be device-wise, parents controlling passwords, no social media until at least 13, keep screens out of the bedroom, limit screen-time and establish tech-free zones. The points raised appear to be prescriptive but invite parents to work them through with children, and may not only apply to children and young people. The article can be found by clicking here.
The New York Times How and When to Limit Kids’ Tech Use. This is a very common sense article which provides guidance for parents around three areas: Aim for Balance, Be a Role Model and Make Tech a Family Affair. The article then goes on to look at issues faced by children at different stages of development (including babies under 2) and teens. The article can be found by clicking here.
[NOTE: Although we make every effort to ensure these links mentioned are accurate, up-to-date and relevant, CViE cannot take responsibility for content and pages maintained by external providers, nor do we endorse all information, religious views or opinions posted on these third-party websites.]
