Should children use social media?
German Lutheran pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “The test of the morality of a society is what it does for its children.”
In today’s digital age, one of the pressing questions for Christian parents is: Should I allow my child to use social media? The answer isn’t simple, nor should it be. Social media, like all technology, is a tool, and tools must be wielded with discernment. And the Bible doesn’t mention smartphones or apps, although it does provide parents with a guiding framework for discernment and stewardship.
When parents say “yes” or “no” to social media, they’re making more than a tech decision – they’re making a spiritual one. They’re shaping their child’s understanding of identity, relationships, purpose, and truth. With this in mind, rather than issuing a blanket positive or negative judgment, this article invites Christian parents to consider how they should approach social media. Here are some considerations:
Start With Your Own Heart
Before evaluating your child’s readiness to possibly use social media, start by examining your motivations. One parent described how their desire to avoid conflict, be liked by their children, and maintain appearances led to an unhealthy temptation to give in to their children’s demands. “I didn’t want my children to feel left out,” she confessed. “And I didn’t want my kids to think I was out-of-date.”
God calls us to parent bravely, from conviction, not convenience. Share on XThis kind of heart-level reflection matters. Parenting decisions shaped by fear of rejection or desire for comfort often miss the mark. Joshua 1:9 reminds us: “Be strong and courageous … for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Note the phrase “strong and courageous.” God calls us to parent bravely, from conviction, not convenience.
Understand the Dangers
If you choose to allow your child access to social media, be aware of the associated risks. Statistically, teenagers spend over three hours per day on social media, often consuming content that distorts reality. The adverse outcomes are distraction, comparison, temptation, or emotional trauma.
Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase of Ephesians 5:16 warns us to “Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!” (MSG). Many teens admit that they get online with good intentions but quickly develop time-wasting habits. Don’t be naïve. Children are easily sucked into the endless scroll of their newsfeed. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram expose children, especially young girls, to filtered realities that fuel insecurity. The American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a study that revealed nearly 60% of teen girls using social media reported persistent sadness and hopelessness, and one-third considered suicide in 2021.
Nearly 60% of teen girls using social media reported persistent sadness and hopelessness, and one-third considered suicide in 2021. Share on XPhilippians 4:8 offers a filter for what children should consume: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure … think about such things.” A social media feed often falls far short of this standard. As one parent put it, allowing unfettered access to social media is “like digging through a dumpster hoping to find good food.”
Create a Wise Strategy
If your family uses social media, use it responsibly. Do it with a plan and with boundaries.
Talk regularly with your children about what they see, how it makes them feel, and where they need guidance. Open, judgment-free, biblically informed communication builds trust.
Set boundaries: Consider establishing time limits, implementing content filters, and sharing access to passwords. You may even need to be added as a friend on their accounts.
Model healthy habits. We can’t ask our children to be disciplined about screen time if we’re not. If you’re constantly scrolling, your children will follow your example.
Monitor activity regularly. This isn’t spying; it’s stewardship. According to a wise saying, you should “Inspect what you expect.”
Take media sabbaticals: Establish screen-free family time. Use these occasions to reinforce your relationships, values, plans and purpose.
Social media is a powerful influence. If you utilize this strategy, it can help your family stay safe and healthy while engaging online.
Don’t Parent Alone
Digital parenting is challenging. But God never meant for you to do it alone. Lean on your spouse, and involve church members, mentors, and other parents. If you’re a single parent, seek support from a faith community. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
Most importantly, remember your children aren’t your own; they’re God’s. You’re a steward, not a saviour. So, pray. Trust them into God’s care. Ask for His wisdom and strength to lead them with grace, truth and compassion.
A Call to Courage
Jesus said in Matthew 18:6, “If anyone causes one of these little ones … to stumble, it would be better … to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” The warning is weighty, and rightly so. Parents must ask, “Will the position we take on social media help or hinder our children’s walk with God?”
Your children aren't data points for Big Tech. They’re image-bearers of God, entrusted to your care. Share on XThere is no universal age that guarantees readiness. Maturity matters more than milestones. As someone once said, “Delay is the way.” But even if you say “yes,” let it be a wise yes that’s shaped by conviction, accountability, and care. And remember, your children aren’t data points for Big Tech. They’re image-bearers of God, entrusted to your care, and worthy of a childhood framed by love, truth, and eternal hope.
Cautiously, Critically, and Carefully
American technology author and software engineer Joshua Bloch said, “When in doubt, leave it out.” That’s wise counsel. As Christian parents, we’re called to make digital choices that guide our children toward eternity. Their lasting well-being matters more than their momentary happiness, and that responsibility rests with us.
As Christian parents, we’re called to make digital choices that guide our children toward eternity. Share on XLet’s not approach the question of social media reactively, but cautiously, with our values and approaches grounded in God’s truth and wisdom. Protection is in their best interest. Few children can wisely exercise their intellect, moral reasoning, or self-control without close parental supervision and guidance. Take time to critically evaluate not only your child’s readiness but also your motivations and habits. Then move forward carefully, creating age-appropriate boundaries, fostering open conversations, and rooting every decision in biblically informed and prayerful discernment.
In due course, parents should have an unequivocal answer to this question: “Will my children be better able to follow Jesus with social media as part of their lives?”
With our children’s intellectual, emotional and spiritual well-being on the line, let’s give them the guidance that protects their minds and souls. Ultimately, make sure you manage social media in a way that frees them to follow Jesus wholeheartedly.
Should children use social media? Join the discussion. Please share your comments below.
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Summary
Christian parents face a complex and spiritually significant question: Should children use social media? Rather than offering a simple yes or no, this issue requires cautious, critical, and careful consideration rooted in biblical wisdom and intentional parenting. Social media can shape a child’s identity, values, and worldview, so parents must lead with courage, establish wise boundaries, and model healthy digital habits. Ultimately, the goal isn’t just digital safety, but raising children who are free to follow Jesus wholeheartedly in an online world.
© Scripture Union, 2025
Soli Deo Gloria
