Eric Roth
As a physician, I have been afforded a front row seat to many of the changes in our society over the years. One of the most concerning trends has been the explosion of mental health diagnoses among children and adolescents. The factors contributing to mental health issues can be complicated. However, studies show that the introduction of the smartphone along with social media use has greatly contributed to many of the mental health issues in our society.
Christians and Christian families should be very concerned how these devices and platforms affect the mental and emotional development of our children. Our children’s spiritual development is at risk as well.
Each family’s approach to dealing with technology is unique depending upon children’s ages, attitudes, and personalities. I would encourage us to contemplate some of the scriptures that should impact all of us when we consider the role of technology in our lives.
James 4:4
Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
How much of our society do we let influence our activities and behavior? We are routinely reminded to pay attention to the movies and TV shows that our families watch. Are we also paying attention to the TikTok videos, Instagram pictures, and the posts that we consume?
2 Corinthians 6:14-18
Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” Therefore “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.” “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”
We are and should be a peculiar people. Those around us should notice a difference not only in our language and behavior, but also with the media and online environment that surround ourselves and our families.
1 Peter 4: 3-4
For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.
While the internet can be a great source of good information and education, many of the sites have engaged in a race to the bottom to try and secure more attention. And yes, if we tell people that we try to avoid this, people will think we are strange.
Ephesians 6:4
And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
Let us never forget what the end goal of raising our children is.
A few questions after contemplating these verses:
Are we taking this seriously?
Are we prepared for the potential criticism from the world or the strange looks if we deny our children social media?
Are we prepared to stand firm against the inevitable adolescent backlash that arises from boundaries and restrictions to social media?
Are we monitoring and supervising our children’s online activities as much as the rest of their lives?
Many families in the church are doing a spectacular job of guarding their children from this brave new world; however, I do not want us to become lax. I would encourage diligence in this area.
As someone who has been through the teenage years of raising children, I would offer a few points of advice:
- Start early
- Set firm expectations with younger kids regarding phones and social media.
- Encourage social support from other families. You may not be able to avoid the “well, Susie has ______, so why can’t I” scenario, but if we surround our children with likeminded families, hopefully it will keep this to a minimum.
- My wife, Melinda, came up with our overall strategy years ago: Stalk, block, and lock. In other words: Vigilance, vigilance, vigilance.
Finally, I would encourage all of us to take this very seriously. I have been following this over the years, both in the popular media and academically. Quite recently, I heard a podcast (link below) that sums up much of the academic research on this nicely. I would encourage all families with children to listen and take this to heart. https://youtube.com/watch?v=AflY1CcMkDg&si=tv4czKTbtuuGTqGY
