Social Media, Screens & the Battle for Your Child’s Heart
What if I told you that social media is discipling your child—and it’s doing so faster than you are?
That may sound dramatic, but it’s not an exaggeration. We live in a world where children learn to swipe before they can speak in full sentences. Where middle schoolers scroll YouTube Shorts before bed, and where screen time quietly outpaces family time, faith conversations, and even sleep.
But this isn’t just about screens. It’s about the heart.
Behind every scroll, tap, click, or binge, there’s a message. A worldview. A narrative about who your child is, what matters, and what they should believe. And unless we as parents are intentionally discipling our children, those screens will.
This Is Not an Anti-Tech Message
Let me be clear: I’m not here to tell you to throw out the iPads or move off the grid (unless the Lord calls you to that!). This isn’t about panic or performance.
This is about faithful, biblical parenting in the digital age.
Because Scripture doesn’t tell us to parent from fear. It calls us to parent with wisdom. Proverbs 4:23 says,
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
That’s what’s at stake. Not just how much time our kids spend on screens, but what screens are doing to their hearts—what they love, what they long for, and where they find their identity.
What’s Really Happening Behind the Screens?
Here’s what we know:
Over 95% of teens use social media, and nearly half are online almost constantly.
Kids as young as 8 are spending 5–6 hours a day on screens.
Digital overuse is linked to anxiety, depression, attention struggles, speech delays, and identity confusion.
But here’s the deeper truth:
Screens aren’t just affecting behavior. They’re shaping belief.
When your child is constantly consuming media, they’re being taught what is valuable, what is beautiful, what is true—and often, those messages directly contradict the Word of God.
And tragically, for many families, screens are now speaking louder than parents do.
So, What Can We Do?
The answer isn’t just stricter tech rules. It’s stronger discipleship.
We need to reclaim:
Rhythms of conversation at the dinner table and in the car
Tech-free zones where hearts can connect
Questions that go deeper than “What are you watching?”
And most importantly, our own example as parents who live what we believe
Because when we show our kids that their identity isn’t built by algorithms but given by God—everything changes.
“So God created mankind in His own image… male and female He created them.” — Genesis 1:27
Your child isn’t a performer. They aren’t a consumer.
They are an image-bearer of the living God.
Let’s Go Deeper—Together
If this conversation stirs something in your spirit, I want to personally invite you to join me for our very first Legacy Discipleship Circle, a free live event for Christian parents.
When: Thursday, July 17 at 7:00 PM ET
Topic: Social Media, Technology & the Battle for the Heart
