“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23
Let’s just say it out loud: raising kids in a world where screens are everywhere is just hard.
When we were growing up, “screen time” meant Saturday morning cartoons or the occasional family movie night. Today, screens are in our kids’ hands, bedrooms, and even their classrooms. Technology is no longer optional, it’s a part of life.
But here’s the thing: technology isn’t the enemy. It’s a tool. And like any tool, it can be used for good or harm. What our kids need is guidance, they need parents who can help them navigate this tech-driven world with wisdom and faith.
So how do we raise “digital disciples”? Kids who can honor God with their devices, their time, and their online presence? At Fidelis Academy, we’re walking this road with parents every day, and we’ve got some practical, grace-filled ideas to help you get started.
Set Boundaries with Grace – Balance Limits with Teaching Self-Control
We all know the temptation: to make rules, charts, and timers for every screen in the house. (“You get 17.5 minutes of YouTube AFTER piano practice AND unloading the dishwasher.”)
Boundaries are important. But so is grace.
Here’s the truth: if we only set limits without teaching why those limits matter, our kids may comply for now but rebel later. The goal isn’t just external control, it’s helping them develop internal self-control.
Try this:
- Set age-appropriate limits for screen time and talk about why they’re there.
- Discuss how technology can both help and hurt us spiritually, mentally, and relationally.
- Praise your child when they show wisdom with their devices (even small wins deserve celebration).
It’s not about being the “fun police.” It’s about helping them see technology as a gift to be stewarded, not a master to obey.
Model Healthy Tech Use – Kids Copy Us More Than We Realize
This one might sting a little (but we promised no judgment, remember?).
Our kids are watching how we use our phones, tablets, and TVs. They see if we’re scrolling through social media during dinner or checking emails during family time. If we want them to have a healthy relationship with tech, we need to model one ourselves.
Consider asking yourself:
- Do I put my phone down when my child is talking to me?
- Do I take breaks from screens to rest and recharge?
- Do I use my devices in a way that honors God?
Little eyes are always watching, not just to catch us doing it wrong, but to learn what’s right.
Teach Digital Discernment – Ask, “Does This Honor God?”
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Here’s the key question for digital discipleship: “Does this honor God?”
Help your kids understand that their clicks, views, and posts are opportunities to glorify Him. This isn’t about fear or shame, it’s about teaching them to see technology through a Biblical lens.
Practical ways to teach discernment:
- When they want a new app or game, explore it together and talk about what it promotes.
- Discuss how we can use social media to encourage others instead of comparison.
- Memorize 1 Corinthians 10:31 and make it your family’s “tech verse.”
When our kids learn to pause and ask, “Will this bring me closer to God or pull me away?” they’re learning wisdom that will last far beyond childhood.
Create Screen-Free Sacred Spaces – Mealtimes, Family Devotions, etc.
One of the best ways to guard your family’s heart in a tech-driven world is to build little sanctuaries of screen-free time.
Start with:
Mealtimes – Phones stay in another room while you enjoy each other’s company.
Family Devotions – Set aside even 10 minutes once a week for prayer and scripture together.
Bedtimes – Keep devices out of bedrooms to promote healthy sleep and space for quiet reflection.
These sacred spaces aren’t about rules—they’re about relationships. They create margin for your family to connect with each other and with God.
You’re Not Alone in This
If parenting in the digital age feels overwhelming, take heart: you’re not alone. You don’t need to have all the answers or do it perfectly. God has called you to this role, and He will equip you for it.
At Fidelis Academy, we’re here to cheer you on as you raise kids who can shine God’s light even online.
Family Discussion Questions
Make it a family conversation this week:
- How do you think God wants us to use technology? (1 Corinthians 10:31)
- Are there things we see online that don’t honor God? How should we respond?
- What are some fun things we could do as a family without screens?
- Why is it important to “guard our hearts”? (Proverbs 4:23)
- Can we write a family “tech promise” together this week?
Take the Next Step
We’ve created a free “Family Digital Covenant” template and guide to help your family set healthy boundaries and honor God online.
Together, let’s raise a generation of digital disciples who reflect Christ in every click, swipe, and post.