Navigating the Risks of Social Media as Christian Parents

Social media has become an inescapable part of modern life, especially for children and teenagers. While it offers some benefits like staying connected with friends and exploring interests, there are also significant risks that Christian parents need to be aware of and proactively address with their kids. The U.S. Surgeon General recently issued an advisory warning that social media use presents a “profound risk of harm” to youth mental health. Studies show that teens who spend over 3 hours per day on social media have double the risk of depression and anxiety. Excessive use is linked to poor sleep, body image issues, eating disorders, cyberbullying, and exposure to dangerous content like self-harm. As Christian parents, we have a responsibility to protect our children from these harms and equip them to navigate social media in a healthy, God-honoring way. Here are some key principles and practical tips:

Ground your child’s identity in Christ, not social media

One of the biggest dangers of social media is how it can distort a child’s sense of self-worth and identity. Constant comparison to carefully curated images of peers can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety and depression. As Christian parents, we must proactively build up our children’s identity in Christ. Remind them that they are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14), chosen by God (Ephesians 1:4), and His masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10). Their value comes from being made in God’s image, not from likes, followers or appearance on social media.

Set clear boundaries and expectations

While social media is a privilege, it’s also a responsibility. As parents, we need to set clear boundaries and expectations around its use. Some key guidelines:

• Limit total screen time, with no devices in bedrooms after a certain hour
• Require sharing of passwords and open access to monitor activity
• Prohibit following strangers or accepting friend requests from people not known in real life
• Establish consequences for misuse like cyberbullying or sharing inappropriate content

Have an open discussion about the reasons for these rules. Explain that they are not meant to be restrictive, but to protect your child and help them use social media wisely.

Model healthy social media habits yourself

As parents, we must lead by example when it comes to social media use. If we are constantly glued to our phones, mindlessly scrolling, our kids will pick up on that. But if they see us using social media intentionally and in moderation, they are more likely to follow suit. Be transparent about your own social media habits and struggles. Share how you decide what to post and what to avoid. Discuss the importance of being authentic and not comparing yourself to others online. Admit when you’ve made mistakes and talk about what you learned.

Teach discernment and critical thinking

Social media is full of false narratives, unrealistic expectations, and even dangerous content. As Christian parents, we need to help our kids develop discernment and critical thinking skills to navigate this landscape. Encourage them to ask questions like:

• Is this content true and accurate?
• Does it align with biblical values and principles?
• Is it building me up or tearing me down?
• Am I using this in a way that honors God?

Discuss how social media often presents a distorted, one-dimensional view of reality. Teach them to look for context and not make assumptions based on a single post or image.

Prioritize real-world relationships and activities

One of the biggest dangers of social media is how it can displace real-world relationships and activities. Kids can get so caught up in their online lives that they neglect face-to-face interactions, hobbies, and pursuits. As parents, we need to intentionally prioritize real-world connection. Establish regular screen-free times and activities as a family. Encourage your kids to pursue in-person friendships and get involved in extracurriculars, service projects, and church activities. Help them see social media as a tool to enhance real relationships, not replace them. Teach them to use it to stay connected with friends and family, not to seek validation or escape from the real world.

Maintain open communication and trust

Perhaps the most important thing we can do as Christian parents is to maintain open communication with our kids about social media. We need to create an environment where they feel safe coming to us with questions, concerns or struggles. Have regular, non-judgmental conversations about their social media use. Ask them what they enjoy about it, what concerns them, and what they’ve learned. Share your own thoughts and perspectives, but also be willing to listen and learn from them. Build trust by following through on your word. If you say you’ll respect their privacy, do so. If you set a consequence for misuse, follow through. Over time, this trust will allow you to have deeper, more meaningful conversations about the role of social media in their lives.

Pray for wisdom and discernment

Ultimately, navigating the challenges of social media as Christian parents requires wisdom that only God can provide. We need to bathe our efforts in prayer, asking God for discernment, strength and guidance. Pray for your child’s heart and mind as they engage with social media. Ask God to protect them from harmful influences and to use it for good in their lives. Pray for yourself as a parent, that you would have the wisdom and courage to make tough decisions and have difficult conversations. Remember that God is sovereign over all of this. He is not surprised by the challenges of social media, and He has given us everything we need to raise our kids in a way that honors Him. As we rely on His strength and wisdom, we can navigate this landscape with confidence. In conclusion, addressing the dangers of social media with our Christian children requires a multi-faceted approach. We must ground them in their identity in Christ, set clear boundaries, model healthy habits ourselves, teach discernment, prioritize real-world relationships, maintain open communication, and bathe it all in prayer. It’s a challenging task, but one that is vitally important for the spiritual and emotional health of our kids. By proactively addressing these issues, we can help our children use social media in a way that honors God and enhances their lives, rather than detracting from them. May God give us the wisdom and courage to lead our families well in this area.