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Rather than being afraid of the rapid changes in the digital realm, a Christian organization is urging parents to welcome technology as a means to provide their children with resources that help them become individuals who honor God and interact thoughtfully with the constant demands of screens.
"In a time where screens are constantly around and digital interruptions are everywhere, parents frequently wonder: 'What can I do to support my daughter's spiritual growth in a world filled with technology?'" Rachel Culpepper, the executive director ofAmerican Heritage Girls, stated in a release given to The Christian Post.
How can Christian parents effectively handle this new technology when the Bible doesn't specifically mention these topics? The Bible emphasizes that what's in the heart is far more significant than the superficial aspects of modern life," she said. "It's crucial for parents and leaders of children to foster a feeling of respect and affection for our Creator. Our children were designed for much more than what social media can provide.
The American Heritage Girls is a faith-based group that has provided growth and leadership experiences for three decades, guiding young girls to become truthful women with solid ethical values.
Through various sources, including its "Raising Godly Girlspodcast, AHG provides guidance on raising devout daughters in a society that is becoming more opposed to Christian principles.
In a recent episode, Culpepper mentioned that technology can serve as a "Gospel-spreading instrument," provided it is utilized correctly. Although some parents may not wish for their children to encounter the risks of the internet, they need to acknowledge the fact that most teenagers are online at least every day, if not all the time.
According to a 2024 Pew Research studysurveyAmong teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17, 96% stated they are online every day. Almost half indicated that they are connected almost all the time.
About half of the teenagers surveyed said they check Instagram or Snapchat every day, while approximately 10% indicated they use these social media sites almost all the time. The percentage of teens who reported using Instagram nearly constantly saw a small rise, moving from 8% in 2023 to 12% during the study period.
"As we all attempt to manage what seems like a high-speed road of technology, everything is moving quickly, evolving rapidly, and how does this highway connect with our daughters' beliefs?" Culpepper questioned, addressing the worries parents might have about bringing up children in today's digital world.
As the internet and social media remain a constant presence in society while children mature, Culppper feels it's crucial to educate her children on using technology in a responsible manner.
She mentioned that parents can establish a routine for their daughters, pointing out that girls usually perform better with a structured environment. Parents can also design a timetable incorporating a technology-driven Bible study for their kids and maintain it to turn the study into a habit.
During the summer break, a period when kids are away from school and adjusting to a different schedule, Culpepper mentioned that her family uses a whiteboard. The board outlines different activities along with the time allocated for each, including aspects like screen time.
Setting start and end times, she mentioned, helps her children resist the urge to scroll indefinitely. Culpepper noted that her children are aware they have, for instance, 30 minutes to watch an online video.
Parents should also steer clear of what Culpepper referred to as the "disconnected faith-tech journey." She emphasized that any discipleship resource is only as impactful as a parent's commitment to guide their children through it.
"It's not a good idea to simply enroll your daughter in online library services, like virtual Bible study or a collection of biblical lessons, and then leave her to manage it on her own," Culpepper said.
"Every online presence truly needs to be monitored with care and vigilance," she said, cautioning that individuals with harmful intentions can sometimes infiltrate specific online platforms.
Although certain protections are in place, Culpepper stated that it remains the parents' duty to safeguard their children while they are online. She raised the issue of how parents can provide advice to their kids if they are using their child's internet time as a respite.
And the third point is about helping her to combine what she's learning," said the executive director of AHG. "If she gains a relevant lesson from her video class or, say, an online Bible study, look for a way to apply that in real life.
As a parent of several children, Culpepper mentioned that when a family member is unwell on Sunday and can't leave the house, they utilize online streaming services to participate in church remotely. This allows her children to stay connected with their church community and continue their spiritual development.
For guardians worried about their kids' exposure to the internet and digital devices, AHG provides aDigital Citizenship BadgeThat girls can achieve. These badges are created to help girls learn how to behave online and how to make smart decisions while using the internet.
"If you, as a parent, are thinking, 'Okay, I believe this summer we're going to be exploring more of the online world. I want my daughter to be ready,' this is an excellent introduction if you're searching for something to assist your daughters in learning how to make smart decisions, and what to watch out for," Culpepper said.
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