Protecting From Harmful Influences

It seems that, for the most part, we do a good job of protecting our children from harm, illness, and other things that could affect their safety. We secure the doors at home, activate the security system, encourage healthy eating, ensure they take necessary medications, make them wear seat belts, and stop them from running with scissors. In these areas, most parents are doing a good job. But the question is: how are we doing at protecting their hearts and minds?

These days, there are so many voices speaking into the lives of our children—through social media, friends, teachers, and more. There are no longer quiet moments for young people to think and process. They always have something in their ear or in front of their eyes. It is becoming increasingly difficult for parents to monitor and restrict every influence in their children’s lives.

Our children spend hours every day in front of screens—whether it’s TV, Netflix, video games, or social media. According to 2023 statistics, “Globally, people average 6 hours and 58 minutes of screen time per day.” In the United States, the average is even higher—“7 hours and 4 minutes.” This number is likely to continue increasing each year.

As we continue to see the destructive influences on our children, I’m reminded of the nation of Israel’s descent into idolatry and destruction, which bears a striking resemblance to our current situation. In Psalm 106, we see the steps they took toward their downfall:

1. “They forgot God their Savior” (Psalm 106:21).
2. “They grumbled and did not listen to the voice of the Lord” (Psalm 106:25).
3. “They did not destroy the evil influences as the Lord had commanded them” (Psalm 106:34).
4. “They mingled with the nations and learned their practices…which became a snare to them” (Psalm 106:35).
5. “The Lord gave them into the hands of the nations, and those who hated them ruled over them” (Psalm 106:41).

Doesn’t that sound similar to the world we live in today? Not long ago, I watched the Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma. By the end of the film, I was ready to throw all technology out the window. The documentary highlights how social media platforms intentionally use algorithms to target children, making them the product sold to the highest bidder for their attention. Jaron Lanier, a former Silicon Valley executive featured in the film, said, “The goal of social media outlets is the gradual, slight, imperceptible change in your behavior and perception. Their desire is to change what we do, how we think, and who we are.”

Parents must recognize that their children are the targets, and the battle for their hearts and minds is no longer distant—it’s in our hands, our living rooms, and even our bedrooms. Technology is now used by the world to win our kids over to its cause. Even parents are being held captive by the influence of smartphones and social media. Sarah Zylstra, in an article for The Gospel Coalition, states, “Teens report that 15 percent of parents—or one in seven—use their device almost constantly.” (Gospel Coalition).

But there is good news. According to Zylstra, “Kids in intact families (those who live with their married biological parents) spend less time on digital media. These families tend to have clearer rules about screen time, and their children, with lower digital media use, tend to be less depressed, lonely, dissatisfied with life, and sleep-deprived.” This gives me hope that we can protect our children from the barrage of influences coming at them from digital media.

So, what are parents to do? We must be on high alert and do a better job of guarding the hearts and minds of our children. Scripture is very clear about this:

• “With all prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance…” (Eph. 6:18).
• “The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.” (1 Peter 4:7).
• “Be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8).
• “See to it that no one misleads you…” (Matthew 24:4).
• “Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation…” (Matthew 26:41).
• “Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers…” (Philippians 3:2).
• “Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert…” (Colossians 4:2).
• “Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what you have accomplished…” (2 John 1:8).
• “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith…” (1 Corinthians 16:13).
• “You therefore…be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your steadfastness…” (2 Peter 3:17).
• “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23).
• “The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.” (Luke 6:45).
• “But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22).

These verses encourage and implore us to be vigilant and protect that which we have received from Christ.

I realize it is hard to monitor what your children are exposed to in the media 24/7, but I believe it is a battle we must fight daily if we are to be victorious. The seeds planted in the hearts and minds of our children will bear fruit in the days, weeks, months, and years to come, and once roots have been planted deep in their hearts and minds, it can be difficult to reverse the effects. Now, imagine if the Word of God was planted securely in the hearts and minds of our children. If that were the case, Psalm 119:11 would become more of a reality: “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.”

My encouragement today is that we be more intentional about what we allow our children’s hearts and minds to feed on daily. When they do see evil and wickedness in the world, unfiltered, we must make the most of every opportunity and use it as a teachable moment to show what is good and what is evil.