Parenting In A Digital Age Series

PARENTING IN A DIGITAL AGE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Proverbs 22:6, Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Supporting Texts: Ephesians 6:4, Colossians 3:21, Psalm 127:3-5, 2 Timothy 3:14-17, Isaiah 54:13

INTRODUCTION:

We live in an era where screens, smartphones, and social media have become an inseparable part of daily life. While technology brings advantages, it also presents serious challenges for Christian parenting. The digital age bombards children with conflicting values, moral confusion, and ungodly content that can undermine biblical instruction if not properly managed.

Parents are no longer the only “teachers” in their children’s lives; media, influencers, and online platforms are also shaping their worldview. Now more than ever, Christian parents must rise to the responsibility of spiritually guiding their children and equipping them to live godly lives amidst the noise of this generation.

This message will help parents understand their God-given role in this digital generation and present practical biblical principles to raise godly children who honour God in every season of their lives.

1. BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT SPIRITUAL TRAINING

Parents must deliberately teach and model the Word of God.

a) Teach God’s Word at Home (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)

Constant exposure to the Scriptures builds a strong spiritual foundation.

b) Be an Example in Godly Living (1 Corinthians 11:1)

Children imitate what they see more than what they hear.

c) Prioritise Family Devotions (2 Timothy 3:14-15)

Daily devotion cultivates spiritual discipline early in life.

d) Keep the Bible Central (Joshua 1:8)

Make the Word of God the standard for behaviour and decisions.

Biblical Example: Timothy was trained in Scripture from childhood by his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5, 3:15).

2. SET HEALTHY BOUNDARIES FOR DIGITAL USE

Unchecked digital exposure can corrupt young minds.

a) Supervise Screen Time (Ephesians 5:15-16)

Redeem time by guiding what your children watch and how long.

b) Filter Content Actively (Philippians 4:8)

Let godly values be the filter for media and online content.

c) Discourage Digital Addiction (1 Corinthians 6:12)

Not everything lawful is helpful—set limits for balance.

d) Encourage Offline Activities (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Engage children in wholesome activities that nurture real relationships.

Biblical Example: Job was proactive in protecting his children’s purity (Job 1:5).

3. DEVELOP STRONG COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR CHILDREN

A strong relationship opens the door for spiritual influence.

a) Create Time to Listen (James 1:19)

Be slow to speak and quick to hear your children's concerns.

b) Discuss Real Issues Openly (Isaiah 1:18)

Talk to your children about digital dangers, peer pressure, and faith.

c) Avoid Harshness and Provocation (Colossians 3:21)

Harsh parenting can lead to rebellion or discouragement.

d) Affirm and Correct in Love (Proverbs 3:12)

Balance discipline with loving affirmation.

Biblical Example: Eli’s failure to engage and discipline his sons led to their ruin (1 Samuel 2:12–17, 29–30).

4. BUILD A STRONG PRAYER FOUNDATION

Prayer is a shield over your children in a corrupt generation.

a) Pray for Their Hearts to Love God (Ezekiel 36:26)

Ask God to give them a heart that desires holiness.

b) Cover Them from Digital Corruption (Isaiah 54:13)

God promises to teach and preserve your children in peace.

c) Pray for Wisdom as a Parent (James 1:5)

You need divine insight to navigate the digital terrain.

d) Involve Children in Prayer Time (Psalm 34:11)

Train them early to call on God and seek His presence.

Biblical Example: Hannah prayed for Samuel and dedicated him to God (1 Samuel 1:10-28).

5. CULTIVATE A GODLY ENVIRONMENT AT HOME

The spiritual atmosphere at home shapes a child's destiny.

a) Fill Your Home with God’s Presence (Psalm 127:1)

A Christ-centred home repels ungodly influences.

b) Monitor the Friendships and Influences (Proverbs 13:20)

The wrong company can corrupt good values—even online.

c) Encourage Church Involvement and Fellowship (Hebrews 10:25)

Fellowship helps children grow in godly values with peers.

d) Model Forgiveness and Integrity (Ephesians 4:32)

Let your home reflect God's grace and truth.

Biblical Example: Joshua declared, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

6. EQUIP CHILDREN TO STAND STRONG IN THIS GENERATION

Your child is born for a time like this and must be prepared.

a) Teach Them Identity in Christ (Galatians 2:20)

Let them know who they are to resist identity confusion.

b) Train Them to Say ‘No’ to Ungodliness (Titus 2:11-12)

Help them stand firm against temptations online and offline.

c) Prepare Them for Purpose and Responsibility (Ecclesiastes 12:1)

Remind them they have a calling even at a young age.

d) Celebrate Their Wins and Encourage Growth (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Affirm every progress and support their journey.

Biblical Example: David was prepared in private before he became king publicly (1 Samuel 17:33–37).

CONCLUSION:

Parenting in a digital age demands vigilance, intentionality, and godliness. The influence of technology is unavoidable, but it does not have to be destructive when guided by godly principles. As a parent, you are God’s representative in your child’s life—your teaching, example, and prayers matter.