Raising tech-wise children …
How should parents balance technology for learning and social interaction while shielding children from the negative impact of overindulgence? Microsoft Co-Founder Bill Gates waited for his children to be 14 before he gave them a cell phone, limited screen time to 45 minutes for games, and set a time to stop using computers to help them sleep at a reasonable hour.
One of the big challenges facing parents is navigating their children’s use of technology (tablets, smartphones, televisions, and computers). With technology easily available everywhere, what boundaries and guidelines should parents establish to filter and supervise screen time? Distinguishing between media consumption, communication, and creation helps families talk about, model, and use technology in a healthy way.
Consumption.
Watching films or reels, listening to audiobooks, streaming music, or playing online games are passive activities. Passive activities should be limited because they can lead to physical, spiritual or mental health problems such as isolation and laziness. When children are isolated, they’re more likely to feel insecure, inadequate, anxious, fatigued, or depressed. Connecting your children with a faith community offsets the debilitating effects of consumption.
Communication.
We engage with the world in many interconnected ways. Instant messaging, texts, emails, video calls and telephone calls are quick and easy ways to communicate. However, the way we communicate using technology is different from in-person communications. When a communication medium hinders or diminishes a child’s capacity to live for Jesus and care for people, we must change it for one that enhances and improves their capacity to love the Lord and others (Matthew 22:37-39).
Creation.
Families should create more than they consume. Blogging, article writing, newsletters, social media posts and infographics are some online ways for children to exercise creativity. When children tap into their God-given creativity (Genesis 1:27-28), they’re more likely to be well-adjusted and alert, cope with challenges, engage their senses, and grow in faith. However, using technology for digital creation is problematic if it impedes a child’s connection with Jesus and His Word.
Parenting Strategies.
While the use of technology should be an ongoing discussion with your family, talk is not enough. Parents must set limits and manage expectations. What are the ground rules for media consumption in your family? What is age-appropriate or inappropriate? How are you supervising and filtering what your children are exposed to? Is the use of technology in your family helping or hindering faith formation? How can your family use technology to glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31)?
Because technology doesn’t have a moral compass, parents must be the moral compass. Here are ten commonsense strategies to teach discernment and help you be a tech-wise family:
- Have filters in place to block pornography and inappropriate content.
- Put devices away when spending time with another person.
- Don’t use devices during mealtimes.
- Keep devices out of the bedrooms.
- Check an app or game’s safety and privacy settings before signing up.
- Don’t download or open attachments or links that may be unsafe.
- Set timers to limit game times.
- Know what information can and cannot be shared.
- Don’t upload or tag photos of other people without their permission.
- Turn the internet off on Sunday for a screen-free Sabbath.
Raising tech-wise children. A child living in the real world has greater kingdom potential than one in the virtual world.
Do you have concerns about how your children use technology? What strategies have been effective for your family regarding the use of technology? Please share your thoughts about raising tech-wise children in the comments.
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Summary
Raising tech-wise children involves teaching them internet safety while balancing technology’s benefits for learning and communication with its potential harms. This article provides parenting tips for managing kids’ technology use, including setting healthy screen time limits for kids, fostering creativity through digital projects, and emphasizing faith-based technology use. Discover digital media consumption guidelines to help children navigate the online world responsibly, avoid mental health risks, and prioritize faith formation. With practical advice on teaching discernment with technology, such as implementing a screen-free Sabbath for families and supervising usage, parents can ensure technology supports their child’s growth and connection with God. Equip your family with strategies to glorify God in the digital age while fostering safe and meaningful technology use.
© Scripture Union, 2025
Soli Deo Gloria
