"What I’ve seen in the past six years of my work is that there are pastors and teachers speaking and writing thoughtfully about how Christians interact with digital media, but not many of these resources are directed at parents. The books, articles and podcasts that are directed at parents tend to be about how to limit and control digital media, not about how to be set apart from culture. Even secular culture is now going against culture. Christians, we should have been in this space first." I have thinking this for years! I just discovered your substack and love that you have put into words so much of what has been on my heart.
Thank you! I believe so many hearts of parents are being stirred on this front. I pray there will be more. I hope you'll share this post as a way to spread the message. :)
We have 4 boys and we have been able to wait until they are 16 to get them phones. The biggest struggle we find with them not having phones is their sports teams and even their youth groups communicate through social media. They would be left out of communication because of the inconvenience of having to communicate through us.
I totally agree (especially as mom to two middle school athletes!!) that sports teams & youth groups essentially requiring social media is a challenge This is why I think it's even more imperative that parents, coaches, & youth leaders are more educated on the dangers of an internet-connected life for teens.
"What I’ve seen in the past six years of my work is that there are pastors and teachers speaking and writing thoughtfully about how Christians interact with digital media, but not many of these resources are directed at parents. The books, articles and podcasts that are directed at parents tend to be about how to limit and control digital media, not about how to be set apart from culture. Even secular culture is now going against culture. Christians, we should have been in this space first." I have thinking this for years! I just discovered your substack and love that you have put into words so much of what has been on my heart.
Thank you! I believe so many hearts of parents are being stirred on this front. I pray there will be more. I hope you'll share this post as a way to spread the message. :)
Thanks Emily,
We have 4 boys and we have been able to wait until they are 16 to get them phones. The biggest struggle we find with them not having phones is their sports teams and even their youth groups communicate through social media. They would be left out of communication because of the inconvenience of having to communicate through us.
Thanks, Ryan.
I totally agree (especially as mom to two middle school athletes!!) that sports teams & youth groups essentially requiring social media is a challenge This is why I think it's even more imperative that parents, coaches, & youth leaders are more educated on the dangers of an internet-connected life for teens.
I believe the church can, and should, be a leader in creating social media free zones for minors. We can't continue on the current trajectory!! Texting & phone calls are generally not a problem, 24/7 internet access in the palm of your hand is. You might like this post too: https://open.substack.com/pub/dearchristianparent/p/dear-youth-leader?r=3huc9s&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Agreed. Thanks for the resources!
Outstanding essay!
Aw, Thank you so much for reading!! And your encouragement. :)