Technology


Biblical Foundation

Now, you won’t find the word “smartphone” anywhere in Scripture. But the Bible has a lot to say about the deeper question underneath all of this, and it’s a question worth asking ourselves before we ask it of our kids: What’s shaping you?

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Romans 12:2

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
Proverbs 4:23

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”
Deuteronomy 6: 5-9

“Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
Psalm 16:5-8

Cultural Context

Technology isn’t inherently bad. It can be educational, entertaining, and a great way to connect with people. But the research is raising some important concerns about what happens when technology becomes unrestricted or takes up too much of a child’s day. 

Statistics at a glance...

  • 40% of children have a tablet by age two. (Common Senses Media 2025) 
  • Teenagers who spend more than 3 hours a day on social media face approximately twice the risk of mental health problems including symptoms of depression and anxiety (U.S Surgeon General Report) 
  • 46% of teenagers surveys said social media made them feel worse about their body image (U.S Surgeon General Report) 
  • Internationally, the median age of first intentional viewing of pornography is around 13 years; however, the majority of young people are exposed unintentionally at an even younger age (Henry C, Talbot H.2019) 
  • Recent studies indicate that approximately 24.4% of adolescents meet the criteria for social media addiction (Purba AK, Thomson RM, Henery PM, et al.  2023) 
  • About 48%  of teens feel their own screen time is excessive, while 54% of parents worry that their child is addicted to screens( NIH 2023)
  • Ages 2-5 yrs old, limit screen time to 1 hour a day of high-quality content ( American Academy of Pediatrics)   

Practical Language & Boundary Examples

What should we think about as parents?

  • What our children do on screens matters just as much as how long they use them

  • Technology should not be our automatic solution to boredom or frustration despite worldly views

  • Access to a device can mean access to much more than we intended

  • What culture/rhythms do you have or want to create within your household surrounding technology & beyond? 

Think beyond the screen

Start with what's within your child
  • Encourage the interest of your child. Redirect the behavior 
  • A child who likes video games would more than likely like competitive sports or strategic board games 
  • A child who loves a story will get more from a good book than a youtube series. 
  • Remember the focus should be on what's shaping them, not just dwindling screen time minutes.

Created for community
  • Children need friends and social interaction.
  • Not having access to certain technology and/or social media in this digital world can cause social isolation which is why GOOD community matters.
  • Intentional community positively impacts the growth and development of a child. (Ex. small groups, sports, community events, extracurriculars, play groups)

Boundary Examples:
Model the habits you want your children to develop.

(These boundaries aren’t groundbreaking but a good reminder and a good start to developing or changing the culture within your home)

Create Screen-free times (ex. mealtime) AND screen-free zones (ex. living room) 
Implement Screen Free Sabbaths 
  • Set aside regular blocks of time an afternoon or a day 
Full access and open passwords
Lay out clear expectations before social media/ technology are introduced
For older children, perform heart checks
  • How much of my media is for escape? And what am I escaping?
  • Does my screen time leave me more recharged or more depleted?
  • Is my media diet enriching my time with Christ or eroding it?
  • How consistent is my personal devotional life?
  • What does my prayer life look like?
  • Is my communion with God drab and boring? Or is it alive?
  • How do Christ-centered sermons and songs affect me? And what does this say about how I protect my heart for Sunday worship?
  • Are my digital desires serving my God-given duties, or are they distracting me from them? 

Word of Encouragement

As parents who love the Lord, we are responsible for shepherding our kids through this world and toward Christ. As a new parent myself, some days it feels impossible. Here are some truths to cling to: God is your guide. He is your sustainer. He extends grace.
I’m proud of you. Keep seeking the Lord and be consistent in cultivating the culture of your family and household. We are right by your side through it all. 
With all the love, 
Becca Baldwin
Lakeside Kids Director

Valley Support
Crisis Guidance & Parental Struggles  

As parents, we are surrounded by so much noise. We are constantly surrounded by things and people trying to assert their opinions on our perception and beliefs of parenthood. The noise can inhibit our ability to identify truth and God’s voice. Even with the pressures of outside forces, God is near. Forever and Always. 

  • No, it’s not. Family culture can shift. Boundaries can be created. 

  • Talk with your spouse, figure out what's most important to you as a family, and create boundaries together. 

  • Model it for your children and bring them into the conversation.

  • Explain the why. Give them ownership. 

  • You are not evil. You are not ruining their lives.

  • Invite them into the conversation. Explain your heart behind why the boundaries exist. 

  • Stand by your conviction. Go forward as a family. Both parents need to be on the same page. 

  • Take it slow and be consistent. 

  • You have the advantage of creating a family culture before your child knows anything different. 

  • It's not too early, silly or useless. It's smart and proactive. 

  • Practice what you preach. Your family rules, traditions, and rhythms will stick. Choose wisely and be consistent. 

  • Questions to ask: What rhythms can we create to keep Christ at the center? What matters most to us as parents? What values do we want our children to have? What are things we can do now to create a family culture we want for our household? 

  • Stay firm in your convictions for your family. 

  • The noise is real, but ask yourself what's more important: To go the easy route or to keep your eyes on things above? 

  • When you said YES to Jesus you said YES to being set apart. You are not meant to look like the world. 

  • Ask yourself: If a stranger hung out with your family for a day, would they leave knowing that you love Jesus and love for Him? 

The Shepherd's Rhythm
Ongoing Discipleship at Home

  • RIGHT NOW MEDIA

  • PRINTABLE WORKBOOK

  • Gain biblically-based and practical guidance to strengthen communication and alignment around family vision and values. 
  • By investing a few minutes across multiple videos, you can ignite meaningful conversations that get to the heart of God’s unique calling for your household. Designed for all ages and perfect for use by one family.