Managing technology in a Christian home

by Rachel Binczak, School-Based Wellness Specialist
This article is also available as a printable handout here.

In today’s world, technology is an integral part of our lives, including our children's. While it offers valuable learning opportunities, it also presents challenges, especially for Christian parents who want to raise children with a strong faith foundation.

As technology and social media use have risen, so too have concerns about their effects on mental health. Increased screen time, especially on social media, may correlate with higher levels of loneliness and depression in young people. Research published by Clinical Psychological Science found that rates of depression among teens had increased by more than 60% from 2009 to 2017, a period during which smart phone and social media usage became widespread. This reinforces the need for parents to closely monitor and guide their children’s digital interactions.

Be in Charge of Your Child’s Technology

Parents need to decide when to set restrictions and when to teach responsible usage. Technology is a tool—it’s neither good nor bad by itself. Like any tool, its value depends on how it’s used. Your role as a parent is to help your children learn to use it wisely.

You may recall the Sunday school song: “Oh, be careful, little eyes, what you see…for the Father up above is looking down in love.”

This gentle warning feels more relevant today than ever. While parents once worried about just TV and movies, now the internet and social media platforms like YouTube expose kids to endless content—some of it far from “kid-friendly” or in line with Christian values. As a parent, you have the authority and responsibility to make decisions about what your children may and may not see. This authority comes from our heavenly Father, who tells you to “bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

Recognize the Possible Harmful Effects of Some Apps and Websites

Banning certain websites or apps might seem tempting, and for younger children, this is likely the way to go. But as your children grow older, this will not always be the realistic approach. Statistics show that U.S. children aged 8-12 spend an average of 4 hours and 44 minutes a day on screens, and teens (age 13-18) average 7 hours and 22 minutes. And the older they become, the more easily they can access the internet on a wide variety of devices.

Kids will encounter technology outside your home. As they grow older, your focus will need to shift to teaching wisdom and discernment in how they use their screens.

Teach Godly Discernment in Technology Use

Remind your children to view their digital choices through a spiritual lens. You can do this by sitting down with them and asking them to show you their favorite websites—not so that you can become upset with them, but so that you can learn more about what they are interested in and how they are spending their time. Then have a caring, God-focused conversation about what they are doing.

As they use their screens, encourage them to ask questions like:

• Does this content align with Christian values?
• Is this uplifting and positive, or does it promote negative or even harmful ideas or behaviors?
• Would I be comfortable sharing or discussing this with my family or pastor?

This approach helps them remember that God cares about their digital lives and encourages them to make wise choices online.

Encourage Open Communication

Let your children know they can come to you with questions or concerns. Regularly encourage conversations about what they’re experiencing—whether it’s on TV, in games, or as they start to use the internet and social media more as they get older.

Set Healthy Time and Place Boundaries

Establishing household guidelines is essential. Boundaries provide structure while helping your children develop a healthy relationship with technology. A few practical boundaries include:

• Create tech-free zones in the house, such as bedrooms.
• Set screen-free times during meals and special family activities, like evening devotions or game nights.
• Allow screens only after certain other activities or responsibilities are completed first. For example, homework, playing outside, or picking up their rooms.
• Stop screen usage 1-2 hours before bedtime so that your child can sleep better.

Parental control apps like Bark or ScreenTime can also help you monitor your child’s activity, set time limits, and alert you to potential issues. (See an overview of parental control apps here.)

Lead By Example

One of the most powerful ways to teach your children is by modeling healthy technology habits yourself. Children often mimic what they see. Be mindful of your own screen time, the content you consume, and how you engage with social media. You can also teach them how technology can be used for good. For example, they can have a video chat with their grandparents, send an encouraging message to a friend, research information for a homework assignment, listen to Christian music or podcasts, or access Bible apps and devotions.

Your guidance, paired with God’s love and grace, will help your children navigate the complexities of the digital world. By teaching discernment, encouraging open communication, setting boundaries, and modeling healthy habits, you are equipping them to use technology in ways that honor their faith. Trust that with God's wisdom, you can lead them toward a balanced and Christ-centered approach.

This article is just the beginning – there’s so much more to explore on this topic! For a deeper dive, we recommend:

Digital guidelines: Promoting healthy technology use for children
Screen time, digital technology use, and your family: a healthy approach