Technology is advancing faster than parents can keep up. Every new gadget promises new opportunities, but also provides dangers and temptations. Here is a list of resources to help you navigate such difficult questions, provide accountability, and protect your children.
Filters/Accountability Software:
- Canopy– Creates a VPN that monitors all activity on your device (including text messages) and blocks inappropriate content. Works on all devices.
- Covenant Eyes– Monitors screen activity and sends accountability reports to your accountability partner. There are limitations on IOS devices.
- Bark– Monitors screen activity and also provides a phone with software already built in.
Phones/Watches With No or Limited Internet Access:
Helpful Accounts to Follow on Instagram:
These accounts provide helpful resources and even uncover the latest trends for hiding pictures, apps, etc. These aren’t necessarily from a Christian perspective, but they do provide helpful content:
Books:
- Not If, But When– for 7-12 year olds (from a biblical perspective).
- Good Pictures, Bad Pictures Jr.- for children ages 3-7 (helpful, practical information from a secular perspective).
- Good Pictures, Bad Pictures– for children 8 and older (helpful, practical information from a secular perspective).
- Mama Bear Apologetics Guide to Sexuality
- The Tech-Wise Family
- 12 Ways Your iPhone is Changing You
Articles:
- 4 Questions to Answer Before Giving Your Child a Phone – “Christian parents are aware of their God-given responsibility not to conform to the patterns of this world (Rom. 12:2). This includes patterns of technology usage. When we hand our children phones, we open them up to a world fraught with dangers and temptations. We shouldn’t erect a firewall that completely isolates our kids, but neither should we be naive.”
- Twelve Tips for Parenting in the Digital Age – “When talking about teens and screens — or “screenagers” — we need to get concrete. So let me offer twelve practical suggestions to stir into the discussions you’re already having in your churches and homes.”
- Please Don’t Give Them Porn For Christmas – “The statistics don’t lie. According to recent research, 52% of pornography is now viewed through mobile devices, and 1 in 5 searches from a mobile device is for porn. The average age of first exposure to pornography is 12. Nine out of 10 boys and 6 out of 10 girls will be exposed to pornography before the age of 18. 71% of teens hide online behavior from their parents. 28% of 16-17 year olds have been unintentionally exposed to online pornography. “
- 44 Ways to Keep Kids Off Screens – “But giving more screen time works against my long-term hopes for my son. I want him to develop creativity and a healthy attention span, to learn how to entertain himself, and to be physically active.
