Another danger of social media is that it can expose us to harmful content . There is a lot of negativity and sin on social media , and it can be easy to get caught up in it . This can lead to temptation , desensitization to sin , and even spiritual decline .
Philippians 4:8 gives us the daunting challenge , “ Finally , brothers , whatever is true , whatever is honorable , whatever is just , whatever is pure , whatever is lovely , whatever is commendable , if there is any excellence , if there is anything worthy of praise , think about these things .”
Looking for good , true , and honorable things on TikTok is akin to digging in the dumpster to find food . There is probably some good food there , but it is not the best place to search . We are charged with being the air traffic controller of our own minds , and we get to decide what we fill it with . As parents , we are responsible for guiding our children in this same task . Helping them by protecting them from the negative aspects of social media is part of that responsibility .
Social media can be a powerful tool , but it ’ s essential to use it wisely . Following these tips can help your teenagers stay safe and healthy while using social media .
Remember , you ’ re not alone in this . There are many resources available to assist you in helping your teenagers use social media safely and responsibly . Perhaps this will inspire you to start a conversation about this crucial topic with other parents in your church . ■
Dr . David Warren is a gifted communicator in faith and culture , theology , worldview , education , and apologetics , and he speaks at various events each year . He graduated from Calvary Baptist Academy in Midland , Michigan , in 1992 and now serves as the school ’ s Head of School . David is also the Discipleship Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church and has been instrumental in keeping CBA ahead of the curve by implementing technology in the classroom . He and his wife , Maria , have four children .
PRACTICAL TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN FROM SOCIAL MEDIA DANGERS
ENDNOTES 1 . “ The Common Sense Census : Media Use by Tweens and Teens ,” Common Sense , 2021 , https :// commonsense media . org / sites / default / files / research / report / 8-18- census-integrated-report-final-web _ 0 . pdf . 2 . “ How Teens and Parents Navigate Screen Time and Device Distractions ,” Pew Research Center , August 22 , 2018 , https :// pewresearch . org / internet / 2018 / 08 / 22 / howteens-and-parents-navigate-screen-time-anddevice-distractions . 3 . “ U . S . Teen Girls Experiencing Increased Sadness and Violence ,” CDC , February 13 , 2023 , https :// cdc . gov / media / releases / 2023 / p0213-yrbs . html . 4 . The World and Everything In It Podcast , March 3 , 2023 . 5 . Joe Rogan Experience , Episode # 1470 .
• Talk to your children about the dangers of social media . Explain how it can lead to comparison , temptation , and distraction .
• If you allow your children to access social media , you should , at a minimum , set limits on their social media use . This may mean limiting the amount of time they spend on social media each day or setting specific rules about what they can and cannot do on social media . This may mean you have the password to your child ’ s social media account , and they must have you as a friend on their accounts .
• Monitor your children ’ s social media activity . This doesn ’ t mean you must read every post or message , but you should know what they ’ re doing online . It has been said that you must inspect what you expect . The stakes are too high to hope your child is the exception to the norm .
• Model good social media habits yourself . If you want your children to use social media in a healthy way , you need to show them how to do it .
• Take family internet and media sabbaticals . This may be for a day , a week , or any period you choose . The key is to detox from your media devices and express some self-discipline . This time could be replaced with some family activities or discussions .
MEDIA RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
Editor ’ s Note : For informational purposes only . Visitor discretion is advised .
Pew Research Center : pewresearch . org
Common Sense Media : commonsensemedia . org
Protect Young Eyes : protectyoungeyes . com
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