Technology

What is this Waypoint?

Technology is an incredible gift that allows us to learn, create, communicate, and share the hope of Jesus with others. At the same time, it can easily compete for our attention, shape our thinking, and influence our hearts in ways we don't always recognize. As parents, you have the opportunity to help your child develop wisdom and discernment as they learn to use technology in a way that honors God.

Technology itself is not good or bad; it is a tool. The question is not whether we use technology, but whether technology is shaping us more than Christ is. As followers of Jesus, we are called to use every part of our lives, including our devices, in ways that reflect His truth and His character.

"Everything is permissible for me—but not everything is beneficial... I will not be mastered by anything." — 1 Corinthians 6:12

Developing Biblical Wisdom

Technology influences the way we think, communicate, learn, and spend our time. Because of this, children need more than rules—they need wisdom.

Help your child learn to ask questions like:

  • Is this helping me grow closer to Jesus?
  • Does this honor God?
  • Is this true, helpful, and wise?
  • Is technology serving me, or am I serving it?

As your child grows, continue helping them develop discernment rather than simply depending on restrictions.

"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity." — Ephesians 5:15–16

Building Healthy Habits

Healthy technology habits begin long before a child owns a phone or social media account. As a family, establish rhythms that prioritize relationships, conversations, worship, rest, and time in God's Word over constant connection to a screen.

Children learn far more from what they see than what they are told. Modeling healthy technology habits yourself is one of the greatest gifts you can give your family.

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." — Colossians 3:2

Next Steps:

Here are a few practical ways to help your child develop healthy technology habits.

Personally Model It

Children notice how their parents use technology.

Model healthy habits by putting devices away during meals, conversations, family activities, and times with the Lord. Let your child see that people are always more important than screens.

Create Healthy Boundaries

Establish clear expectations for technology in your home before problems arise.

Consider creating family guidelines for:

  • Screen time
  • Social media
  • Online gaming
  • Device-free meals
  • Device-free bedrooms
  • Internet accountability
  • Sabbath rest from technology

Boundaries are most effective when they are consistent, age-appropriate, and explained with love rather than fear.

Teach Discernment

Rather than simply asking, "Is this allowed?" help your child ask, "Is this wise?"

Talk regularly about online content, social media, entertainment, friendships, and digital influences. Teach them to evaluate everything through the truth of God's Word.

Keep the Conversation Going

Technology changes quickly, so your conversations should continue as your child grows.

Ask questions like:

  • What are you enjoying online right now?
  • What has been encouraging?
  • Have you seen anything confusing or concerning?
  • How can I help you navigate this?

Create an environment where your child knows they can come to you without fear or shame.

Prioritize Relationships

Encourage your family to choose presence over distraction.

Protect time for meals, church, family conversations, serving, and shared experiences that strengthen relationships and point one another toward Christ.

Pray

Pray that your family would use technology wisely and that your hearts would remain fully devoted to Christ. Ask God to give your child discernment, self-control, and wisdom as they navigate an increasingly digital world.

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

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