How much is too much? How young is too young? What are others doing? These are just some of the questions parents wrestle with regarding their kids and technology.
In a world where online media and technologies are ever-present, families must be intentional about creating limits that reflect biblical values. Learning how to effectively use online tools and resources in a God-honoring way does not happen accidentally.
The following four boundaries offer a framework for honoring Christ in how your family uses technology.
Limited Screen Time:
Scripture teaches us to be careful how we live, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil (Eph. 5:15-16).
Screens are convenient, offering entertainment, education, and even moments of peace for busy parents. But when screen time dominates individuals’ hearts, discipleship, relationships, and trust begin to fade. Children need time in relational play with parents; they need unstructured imaginative play and boredom far more than they need another episode or game.
Limiting screen time teaches children to value presence in reality over passive consumption in the online world. Time is a gift to be stewarded wisely for God’s glory, not just our own amusement.
Filtered Content:
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it (Prov. 4:23).
An internet-connected device without filters or accountability is an open door to spiritual danger. From explicit material to worldly ideologies, what enters a child’s mind through media shapes their heart and beliefs.
Parents must take their responsibility to protect their child’s innocence and spiritual development seriously. Using parental controls, content filters, and monitoring software is an act of love and obedience to the truth of God’s word. Parents must guard their children’s hearts until they are at an age to do so themselves.
Tech-Free Zones:
God’s Word instructs us to be still and know God (Ps. 46:10) and to love God with all of our heart, soul, and mind (Matt. 22:37).
Our homes should include sacred spaces and times where screens are intentionally set aside. This may be at the dinner table, on car rides, in bedrooms, or for the first hour of every day and the last hour before bed. These “zones” help both parents and kids reclaim stillness, rest, and relational presence.
Model Health & Holy Habits:
Jesus commanded us to go and make disciples (Matt. 28:19), and Paul urged believers to follow him as he followed the example of Christ (1 Cor. 11:1).
Children imitate what they see and mimic their parents’ habits and patterns in all things, especially when it comes to screens.
Tech boundaries begin with parents. Modeling holy habits like reading Scripture instead of scrolling, practicing hospitality and service, and not taking flattering pictures of oneself disciples children far more powerfully than any rule or restriction.
Children should witness their parents seeking the kingdom and Christ’s righteousness above all else (Matt. 6:33).
Tech Boundaries keep Christ at the center of your family’s worship. The persuasive design and algorithm-driven engagement of online media and technology demand that boundaries be drawn to guard the hearts of every family member, children and parents!
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