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“Train up a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6) covers every area of a child’s development?emotional, physical, mental, spiritual and social. In the 21st century, technology has the potential to influence children in all of those ways. Here are some tips for guiding children in responsible, God-pleasing use of technology (adapted from Vicki Courtney’s book “Logged-on and Tuned-out”).
1. Set up a secure environment:
?Keep the family computer in an open, high-traffic area.
?Let children know that for their own safety, you will monitor their activities.
?Become a technologically savvy parent. Read articles and take classes. Know the technology your children are using and how to implement safeguards.
?Develop a contract your children must agree to sign and abide by before they may use new technologies. For sample contracts, visit loggedonandtunedout.com.
2. Discuss with kids some good practices for safe and responsible use of technology:
On pictures and videos
Safety:
4Use good judgment when posting pictures of yourself or friends?never post photos that reveal too much skin or inappropriate clothing.
4Never post photos or videos with the potential to damage anyone’s reputation, or that might solicit unwelcome contact from strangers.
Responsibility:
?Only post photos or videos of people you know whose permission you have.
?Don’t engage in crude or inappropriate behaviors that others might video and post.
?Make sure your videos and photos would not dishonor God.
?Know the legal issues. Posting videos and photos of people without their consent could lead to a lawsuit. Get permission, especially from people you do not know well. Serious legal charges might result from circulating pornographic videos. If at least one party in the video is a minor, it is child pornography, a felony.
On instant messaging & social networking
Safety:
?Never talk to strangers, and inform parents when strangers attempt communication.
?Don’t add friends of friends to your friend list.
?Don’t click through on links you receive.
?Don’t accept invitations to public chat rooms.
?Never list personal info like your last name, your school, your address, or your phone number.
Responsible, God-honoring use:
?Don’t post anything you wouldn’t say to someone in person.
?Don’t gossip or cyber-bully.
?Never pretend to be someone else.
?Block friends who communicate offensively?bad language, inappropriate topics, or bullying.
?Don’t post anything that would dishonor God.
On mobile phones, devices
Good manners:
?Turn off ringers in group settings.
?Turn off power when involved in activities that need your undivided attention (school, driving, or church among others).
?Don’t have phone conversations in public places where you can violate the rights or comfort of others (in restaurants, on airplanes, in offices, and others).
?Don’t allow incoming calls or text messages to rudely distract you from a face-to-face conversation?the messages will wait.
Safety:
?Never talk to or text strangers.
?Don’t publish your cell phone number on the Internet.
?Don’t drive while talking or texting.
?Don’t take or circulate pictures that might hurt someone’s reputation.
?Report to your parents or other authorities any inappropriate contact or images that you receive on your phone.
Used by permission. Excerpts taken from “Logged On and Tuned Out” by Vicki Courtney (B&H Publishing Group, 2007).
