Raising Kids in the Social Media Age

Reading from God’s Word

Ephesians 5:15–16 CSB

15 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— 16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil.

Introduction

We’re raising kids in a time no generation before us has faced.

When I was a child, there were no smartphones. No 24/7 online world. No social media platforms pushing content at us all day long.

Today, our kids live in a world where:

The average 13-year-old spends over 8 hours per day on screens.

Over half of teens say social media makes them feel worse about themselves.

TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram—these aren’t just apps. They shape identity, body image, values, and beliefs.

"We are now parenting in a world where the digital culture disciples our kids far more effectively than we often do." (Tony Reinke)

And here’s the reality: "By the time a child turns 18, they will have spent the equivalent of nearly 6 years of their life on screens." (Common Sense Media + Barna)

(Object lesson)

Let me ask you a question: Would you your car keys to an 8 year old child?

Of course not — not without training, boundaries, and supervision.

Yet today, many parents are handing children smartphones — with full internet access — and no training, no boundaries, and no conversations.

The phone in their pocket is far more powerful — and far more dangerous — than a car.

And sadly, some families have learned this the hard way:

A teenager in Ohio posted a silly video to TikTok at a party. It seemed harmless—until a teacher saw it. The video showed kids drinking underage. T

wo weeks later, that post was used as evidence. College admission revoked. Scholarship gone. One 15-second video changed the next four years of that teen’s life.

Here’s the bottom line: “Social media is like fire: it can warm your home—or burn it to the ground."

Tonight, I want to help us learn how to teach our kids to handle the fire well—not get burned.

Parents and teens—let’s start here: If I asked you to pull out your phone right now, open your favorite social media platform, and show your last 10 posts — would you be comfortable?

As one wise parent said: "The Internet has no delete button. What you post is permanent. What you model is powerful."

We cannot afford to be passive about this.

The mental health impacts are real.

The content is often toxic.

The way social media is designed—likes, shares, endless scroll—is shaping not just how our kids behave, but how they think and value themselves.

But there is hope. We don’t parent from fear — we parent from faith.

God has not left us without wisdom. His Word speaks to discernment, character, speech, community, and how to shine as lights in the world.

Tonight:

I want to equip you with biblical principles and practical tools for raising kids in this digital age.

You don’t have to be a tech expert—you need to be a faithful parent.

You don’t have to control every screen—you must teach your kids to walk in the light.

But before we talk about what we can do, we need to be honest about what we’re up against. If we’re going to raise kids who walk wisely, we have to understand the dangers they face online every day.

The Dangers We Must Not Ignore

Social media isn’t neutral. It is shaping the hearts and minds of our children—often in ways we don’t even realize.

As one author put it: "Social media platforms are not built to make your child wise or holy. They are built to keep them online."

If we’re going to raise kids who walk wisely, we first have to recognize the dangers they face.

Mental and Emotional Impact

Teens who spend 3+ hours a day on social media are twice as likely to struggle with anxiety and depression.

Body image issues, especially among young girls, have skyrocketed—many link this directly to platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Studies show that the more time kids spend online, the lonelier and more isolated they often feel.

And unlike past generations, there is no “off switch”—the pressures of comparison and approval follow them 24/7.

Solomon said:

Proverbs 4:23 CSB

23 Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.

Parents, if we’re going to help our kids guard their hearts, we must first recognize what’s coming through the screen.

Exposure to Harmful Content

Pornography: It is not a matter of if but when—if a child has unrestricted internet access, they will encounter porn.

Predators: Many kids engage with strangers online through chat apps, gaming platforms, and social media.

Violence, language, crude humor: Even on “safe” platforms, children are exposed to content that shapes their attitudes.

AI-generated content: Tools now create fake photos and videos—kids may see things that aren’t even real but leave a lasting impact.

And sadly, schools are seeing this too:

A recent case in Australia as found in The Courier Mail:

7-8th grade students shared AI-generated pornography of classmates via phones.

The school failed to report it—parents were horrified.

"We must be aware of what our children face—because the online world is actively shaping their thinking, their emotions, and their character."

So what’s out there? What platforms are our kids actually using—and what dangers come with them?

Parents, we need to be aware.

Here are some of the most common social media platforms kids are using today—and why they matter:

TikTok

Short-form video app — extremely popular with ages 10–18.

Dangers: highly addictive, sexualized content, harmful challenges, AI-driven content designed to hook them.

Snapchat

Private messaging app — messages disappear after viewing.

Dangers: sexting, predators, false sense of privacy.

Instagram

Photo and video sharing app — huge with teens.

Dangers: body image issues, porn through explore/reels, cyberbullying.

YouTube

Video platform — kids’ #1 source for entertainment.

Dangers: inappropriate content, false teaching, unfiltered ads.

Discord

Chat app used for private group chats and gaming communities.

Dangers: unmoderated groups, explicit content, predator contact.

BeReal

“Real life” daily post app — growing fast with teens.

Dangers: oversharing, privacy concerns, peer pressure.

X

Open social media feed — older teens/young adults.

Dangers: extreme content, cyberbullying, adult content.

Summary:

Every one of these apps can expose your child to content and people you would never knowingly invite into your home.

This is why awareness is step one.

You can’t disciple wisely if you don’t know where your child is spending their time online.

Shaping Character in the Wrong Direction

Social media rewards anger, division, self-promotion, and sarcasm—not kindness, humility, or patience.

It trains kids to seek approval through likes and comments.

It fosters a constant sense of comparison:

“I’m not as pretty.”

“I’m not as popular.”

“My life isn’t as exciting.”

Galatians 5:22-23:

Galatians 5:22–23 CSB

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things.

The fruit of the Spirit is not what the algorithm promotes.

If we’re not teaching our kids how to live by the Spirit, the culture will disciple them in the opposite direction.

Permanent Digital Footprint

What you post never fully goes away.

Kids today are creating a digital reputation—before they are mature enough to understand the consequences.

Employers, colleges, and even future relationships will look back at what they shared.

When you post something, it is then outside your control. Even if you delete it, someone else can access it and hold onto it for as long as they want."

Here is a warning from Jesus:

Matthew 12:37 CSB

37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

What can we learn here?

We cannot parent in the dark.

We must be aware of what our children face—because the online world is actively shaping their thinking, their emotions, and their character.

And here’s the good news: God’s Word gives us what we need to help them stand firm. That’s what we’ll look at next.

So what do we do?

We can’t shield our kids from every danger—but we can equip them with wisdom.

The Bible gives us timeless tools to help our children live faithfully, even in a digital world.

Let’s look at some of those tools now.

Biblical Tools for Wise Parenting

We cannot control everything our kids see online. But we can disciple wisely.

We are not raising our kids alone. God has given us everything we need for life and godliness—including parenting in this digital world.

You won’t find the word “smartphone” in Scripture. But you will find principles that apply to every part of life—including social media.

Awareness & Wisdom

Let’s look at Ephesians 5:15-16

Ephesians 5:15–16 CSB

15 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— 16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil.

The first tool is awareness.

Too many parents give their kids phones without ever asking: What’s on that device? What apps are they using? Who are they following?

Just as we guard what comes into our home, we must guard what comes through their screens.

Learn what apps your kids use. Stay current on trends, dangers, and new platforms.

The enemy is using the digital world to disciple your children—parents must stay alert.

Solomon said:

Proverbs 14:15 CSB

15 The inexperienced one believes anything, but the sensible one watches his steps.

Boundaries & Delays

Wise parents set boundaries.

Proverbs 29:15 CSB

15 A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a youth left to himself is a disgrace to his mother.

Just because everyone has a smartphone at 10 doesn’t mean your child needs one.

Many experts recommend delaying smartphones and social media until at least 8th grade or later.

When your child does go online, set boundaries:

No phones in bedrooms at night.

Tech-free times: family meals, church, family outings.

Use parental controls—but even more, use parental presence.

Remember: your child may resist boundaries, but deep down they know love provides limits.

Training & Modeling

Screens don’t disciple your kids—you do.

Model healthy habits:

Are you constantly glued to your phone?

Do you post in anger or sarcasm?

Do you glorify yourself or glorify Christ online?

Do you promote questionable things on your social media?

Train your children to:

Post with integrity.

Use social media to build others up—not tear down.

Ask before they post: Will this honor Christ? Will this help or harm others?

Teach them discernment:

Ephesians 4:29 NLT

29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

Is this post true?

Is it good?

Is it helpful?

Is it necessary?

Direct Teaching

Parents, don’t assume your child knows how to navigate the digital world.

Teach them:

The dangers of oversharing and sexting.

How to respond to bullying and harassment.

How to think critically about what they see online.

How to recognize and avoid false teaching.

Teach them digital citizenship rooted in Christian character.

The same values that apply offline must apply online:

Integrity

Kindness

Humility

Self-control

Love for neighbor

Fear of the Lord

What can we learn here?

We cannot control everything, but we can disciple wisely.

When we stay aware, set wise boundaries, model godly habits, and teach proactively—we prepare our kids to shine as lights in the digital world.

Practical Family Applications

We’ve seen the dangers. We’ve seen biblical tools.

Now—how do we live this out in our homes?

Create a Family Plan for Tech Use

Let’s turn to Proverbs:

Proverbs 24:3–4 CSB

3 A house is built by wisdom, and it is established by understanding; 4 by knowledge the rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure.

Wise families don’t drift—they plan.

Create a family tech plan that addresses:

When screens can be used

Where devices are allowed

How long kids can be online

What apps and platforms are permitted

What accountability and monitoring tools will be in place

Put this plan in writing. Revisit it regularly.

This isn’t about control—it’s about discipleship.

Proverbs 29:15 CSB

15 A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a youth left to himself is a disgrace to his mother.

Wise parents set loving boundaries.

Establish tech-free times and spaces:

No phones at dinner table

No devices in bedrooms overnight

One day a week where everyone unplugs for part of the day

Help your kids learn they are more than their online identity.

Teach them how to be still before the Lord.

Psalm 46:10 ESV

10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

Have Regular Tech Check Conversations

Remember this passage from Deuteronomy?

Deuteronomy 6:7 CSB

7 Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Talk often about what your kids see online:

What’s trending?

What did you see this week that was uplifting—or troubling?

How do you decide what to post or share?

Make these conversations safe and regular—not just reactive.

Listen more than you speak.

James 1:19 CSB

19 My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,

Mind Your Own Posts

What are we modeling in our own posts?

Are we gracious or sarcastic?

Are we patient or angry?

Are we showing off or showing Christ?

They are watching—and they are learning.

Colossians 3:17 CSB

17 And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

“Live every day, in every way, for the glory of God—then you’ll never have to worry about what you tweet.”

Honor Your Child’s Privacy & Digital Footprint

Be mindful of what you post about your children.

Will my child be thankful for this post 5 years from now.

Teach them early that their online identity matters.

Guide them to build a digital reputation that honors God.

Philippians 2:15 CSB

15 so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world,

It’s not enough to warn our kids—we must walk with them.

Practical steps like these will help us disciple our children so they can use technology in a way that honors the Lord.

But even as we take practical steps, we must not lose sight of the bigger goal.

We’re not trying to raise kids who merely avoid trouble online—we want to raise kids who know their purpose in Christ and shine His light in a dark digital world.

That’s where we’ll close today.

Casting Vision—God’s Purpose, Not Fear

As Christian parents, we are not called to raise fearful, withdrawn children.

We are called to raise children who are confident in Christ, equipped to live faithfully in this world—even in the digital world.

Teach Your Kids Their Purpose

Your child was not made to be a passive consumer of content.

Your child was made to shine as a light—even online.

Help your kids see themselves as ambassadors of Jesus in the digital world:

What they post

What they like and share

What they comment on

How they treat others online

Let’s go back to Ephesians 6:4.

Ephesians 6:4 CSB

4 Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Our goal is not simply outward obedience—but training our children in the Lord’s ways, helping them see themselves as God’s children with a mission.

Model Bold Engagement, Not Fearful Withdrawal

The temptation in this digital age is to either:

Withdraw completely out of fear, or

Give in and let the culture disciple our kids.

Neither option is faithful.

Instead, teach your kids to engage with discernment:

Think critically about what they see.

Stand firm for what is right.

Be salt and light in their online interactions.

"We need to raise kids that are engaged with people inside the culture—demonstrating the love of Christ in a dark world. Engagement is not approval."

Our identity is in Christ, not in likes or shares.

Now to 2 Thessalonians:

2 Thessalonians 2:16–17 CSB

16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal encouragement and good hope by grace, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word.

Help your children see that their hope is not found in a perfect digital reputation—it is found in Jesus.

As We Close...

Raising kids in the social media age is one of the greatest challenges—and one of the greatest opportunities—Christian parents face today.

We’ve seen the dangers.

We’ve seen biblical tools:

We’ve looked at practical steps:

And we’ve been reminded of our greater purpose:

We are not raising kids to be afraid of the world—we are raising kids to shine as lights in it.

We want them to know they are loved by God, called by Christ, and empowered by His Spirit to make a difference—even online.

So, how are you doing?

Are you aware of what’s shaping your child online?

Are you setting wise, loving boundaries?

Are you modeling a Christlike example?

Are you helping your child develop discernment and purpose?

And most important: Are you pointing your child to Jesus as their hope, identity, and purpose?

You won’t do this perfectly—none of us will. But with God’s help, you can parent with grace, truth, and wisdom—even in a digital age.

"Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons born in one’s youth. Happy is the man who has filled his quiver with them..."

You are shaping arrows—aim them well. And trust God to guide them.