Protection Against the Dangers of Technology

We know that screens are very present in our world, but how can we ensure they don’t control us or those we love? Discover how you can protect yourself and your family against the dangers of technology.

State

What is the state of technology for our children?

  • Opportunities for technological addiction continue to grow year after year.
  • A love for technology has replaced a love for the LORD.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Shifts

What technological shifts have taken place in recent generations?

  • Fireplace to furnace – We have multiple devices separating us and isolating our entertainment.
  • Independence to postponement – Young people delay societal milestones to stay connected via technology.
  • Community to isolation – Younger generations find it easier to navigate online pseudo-community.
  • Limited to unlimited – We no longer have just a few options or mediums with which to choose entertainment.
  • Occasional to instant – We rarely wait to see the next program offering.
  • Wisdom to Wiki – Simple searches provide information and stifle our pursuit of true wisdom.
  • Pursuing to pursued – You don’t have to look for immoral material because it now comes looking for you.

Symptoms

How do you know when an interest has become a problem?

  • Inseparable – How often is the person connected to the device and uncomfortable if separated?
  • Irritable – How incensed does the person get if questioned or challenged about the usage of the device?
  • Irresponsible – How does the usage affect responsibilities, relationships, and rest?

Structure

How does the structure of your home relate to technological opportunities?

  • What access to technology does your family have of which you are aware?
  • What access to technology does your family have of which you may be unaware?
  • Any access to data transfer on a device means that the best well-intentioned child has seen more than he or she should ever have to experience.
  • Devices – What devices does your child have access to regularly?
  • Apps – Do you know for sure what installed apps can really do?
  • Platforms – How informed are you about the type of social media platforms that your child uses?
  • Places – Is your house designed to cover activity behind closed doors?
  • Opportunities – Are you confident that friends and family share your technological values?

Status

What is the status of every family member regarding technology?

  • Name
  • Danger Areas
  • 1 (subtle)-10 (dangerous)
  • At Best
  • At Worst

Strategy

  • Acknowledgment – Stop believing the lie that technological addiction couldn’t be present in your home.
  • Assessment – Perform an honest household evaluation no matter how overwhelming it is.
  • Research – Discover relevant options to filter, block, or report dangerous activity.
  • Prayer – Ask God to give you wisdom about what route to take and how to take it.
  • Agreement – Ensure that you and your spouse have an agreed-upon unified front.
  • Discussion – Talk with your family about what you are doing and why you are doing it.
  • Implementation – Roll out the needed changes in your home to keep souls safe.
  • Endurance – Don’t give into cultural or peer pressure for how you need to raise your children.
  • Monitor – Realize that today’s strategies will not work tomorrow.