The conversation around screen time for kids often focuses on brain development, sleep quality, and academic performance. But for Christian parents, there is a deeper and more eternal concern: the state of our children’s hearts.
Technology is not morally neutral—it shapes how children see the world, themselves, and even God. If our goal is to raise children in the knowledge and instruction of the Lord, we must take a hard look at the spiritual implications of “iPad kids.”
Here are seven Spiritual Reasons to delay iPads with young kids.
Check out seven Scientific Reasons here.
HINDRANCE TO BIBLICAL PARENTING
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Prov 22:6).
Biblical parenting requires intentional time, presence, and instruction. When screens become regular pacifiers or digital babysitters, we forfeit opportunities to disciple our children in the ways of the Lord. Kids can either grow up passively consuming entertainment or actively engaging in spiritual training. Both will form lifelong habits. The former distracts them from God; the latter draws them toward Him.
OPPOSES WISE STEWARDSHIP OF TIME
“Be careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity” (Eph 5:15-16).
Tablets and apps are intentionally designed to hold attention through variable rewards and never-ending content. Without intentional boundaries, hours slip away in temporary pleasures. Scripture calls us to live with intentionality and wisdom, especially in our parenting. Childhood is a fleeting time of inestimable worth. Let it be spent on what has eternal value.
INSTANT GRATIFICATION OVER THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT
“But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Gal 5:22-23).
Touchscreens deliver instant pleasure. Algorithm-driven apps reward children with quick hits of dopamine, conditioning them to expect constant stimulation. This undermines their development of patience and self-control, which are key virtues of spiritual maturity. If we do not help our children grow in these fruits, they will struggle to resist temptation and persevere in the faith.
OPENS DOORS TO WORLDLY INFLUENCES
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophies, which depend on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ” (Col 2:8).
Online platforms often expose children to values and voices that directly contradict biblical truth. From gender ideology to materialism, rebellion to vanity, the messages are subtle but powerful. Young hearts and minds are especially vulnerable. Christian parents must delay access until children are spiritually and emotionally equipped to discern truth from lies.
WEAKENED DISCIPLESHIP
“These commandments that I give to 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” (Deut 6:6-7).
Discipleship happens in the mundane moments at the dinner table, in the car, and during playtime. When screens dominate these moments, spiritual conversations are lost. Delaying your child’s access to screens preserves your ability to be the primary voice shaping their faith.
COMPETITION FOR THE ROLE OF GOD
“You shall have no other gods before me” (Ex 20:3).
Children (like all of us) were created to worship; if their worship is not directed toward God, it will be given elsewhere. Screens can quickly become idols, consuming their attention, affections, and desires. These false gods promise joy, connection, and escape but ultimately produce emptiness. Only God can fill their deepest needs.
UNDERMINES SABBATH REST
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
God designed us to work and to rest, to cultivate the earth, and to be refreshed in God’s presence. Granting iPads too early undermines a child’s ability to be still, enjoy boredom, and rest without stimulation. A child constantly entertained by screens grows into adulthood unable to be still and quiet with their own thoughts, let alone hear God’s still, small voice.
Delaying iPads and tablets is not about fear or control. It is about cultivating a life for your child where they can be discipled instead of entertained. Is the iPad easier? Yes, of course it is. But that convenience comes at a steep cost. Remember: children do not willing choose the iPad – it’s the parent’s choice to hand them that screen, but it is ultimately the child that pays the highest cost.
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