Helping children navigate the ever-changing world of technology and social media can be overwhelming. Nevertheless, it’s an important part of today’s parenting agenda. Entertainment consumption shapes who we are, how we think and what we believe. That’s especially true of impressionable children.
On our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Becoming a Screen Savvy Family,” we’re looking at what God’s word says about teaching children discernment in entertainment choices.
In studio with me are two members of our Plugged In staff. Adam Holz, the director of Plugged In and the host of our podcast The Plugged In Show, and Paul Asay, Plugged In’s senior associate editor.
Other media reviewers evaluate entertainment according to enjoyment levels. Plugged In evaluates material according to its positive or negative impact on our mind and soul.
We discuss biblical filters for entertainment, such as:
- How might this choice influence me to embrace certain values? Entertainment can push us toward distorted worldviews.
- Is this choice beneficial to me? Are we controlling our entertainment choices? Or are our entertainment choices controlling us?
- How is this affecting my heart? We are affected by powerful stories, sometimes without realizing it.
- What entertainment choices are an effort to fill an empty space in my heart? If we don’t feel connected to God, we’ll often search for counterfeit experiences.
- The importance of modeling good boundaries in technology use. Parents should put on their own oxygen masks in an emergency before helping their kids do the same.
- The importance of conversation. Talking with our children about their entertainment choices isn’t as simple as issuing rules to follow, but it’s more effective. Good conversation builds trust and respect, which keeps the door open for you to have influence down the line.
Listen to my full conversation with Adam Holz and Paul Asay on your local radio station, online, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, via Google Podcasts, or take us with you on our free phone app.
While you’re here, I encourage you to take advantage of our Plugged In website. They have a full library of entertainment reviews – including recent movie, television, and video game releases. They offer even more relevant and timely discussions on the latest in entertainment on The Plugged In Show podcast.
I’d also like to extend an invitation for you to become a special partner with us through our monthly “Friends of Focus on the Family” program. When you do, I’ll send you a copy of Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family: How to Navigate a Media-Saturated World—and Why We Should written by our Plugged In Staff as a way of saying thank you for touching others with the love of Christ. You’ll also receive member-exclusive benefits. To make your pledge, or for more information, click here or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).
