Discipleship Devotional
"Train up a child in the way he sHould go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6
Over the course of social media's evolution, we've learned that it can be a powerful tool, whether used effectively or ineffectively. We've also learned just how damaging social media can be to a child's developing mind. For example, many mental health professionals highly recommend that we not expose our children to social media until high school, and even then, it needs to be closely monitored. I cannot tell you the number of children I've counseled who are constantly exposed to social media and now dealing with issues like, extreme self-image problems, low self-esteem, self-harming behaviors, depression, anxiety, and much more. Despite these facts, social media, for the most part, remains unregulated under federal law. The volume is rising, and there is more talk about lawmakers doing something, but as my mom would say when she was filled with skepticism, "Don't hold your breath."
All of this personally reminds me of what the Bible says about parental responsibility. The development and education of our children is our responsibility. It is naive to think that any parent can protect their child from things like social media twenty-four hours a day/seven days a week, but that doesn't mean that everything is beyond our control. I have six daughters, five of whom are adults and all doing well. My youngest daughter is experiencing social media influences at a much higher degree than her sisters, but that doesn't mean there's nothing I can do about it. Here are a few things I do as a parent that help make a positive difference:
Cellphone and Other Electronics Usage Contract
All electronics are turned in before bedtime each night. No exceptions.
No social media profiles/pages allowed.
Passcodes are not changed without parental permission.
Installment and usage of a Parental control app.
Regular content monitoring.
Setting limits on screen time.
Frequent conversations about the frequency of cyberbullying.
Every parent should have clear guidelines and enforce consequences when they are violated. If you wait for Congress to get its act together, you will likely be waiting for a very long time. I encourage every parent to:
Control the things you can control.
Teach your child(ren) sound biblical principles for critical thinking and decision making in general.
Pray for your child(ren) daily.
As you prepare for what life has in store for you today, carry this Discipleship Devotional in your spirit, heart, and mind. If you haven't taken any of the above action-steps, remember, the younger you start, the better. Please don't wait until your child(ren) get to high school and then decide to enforce a parental contract. If your child is of that age, and you haven't enforced any of the above suggestions, please seek spiritual and professional guidance before jumping into the deep end of the pool.
2025 Copyright (c) Elton L. Young
All Rights Reserved