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August2008
Prince of Peace Children and Families Ministry |
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Raising Kids in a Wired World
Today’s children are digital dynamos who know nothing else besides a high-tech environment. Parents, meanwhile, are often scrambling to keep up. Technology offers many benefits, but it also can pose hazards for impressionable young minds and hearts.
No matter how comfortable and self-sufficient children seem with technology, parents must be vigilant. You have to watch for obvious dangers such as Internet predators, of course. But you also should be aware of how the digital world can affect your children in other ways, both positive and negative. Consider these factors:
Technology affects learning styles. Today’s children tend to be proficient multitaskers who are networked learners, rather than linear learners. It’s also harder to capture kids’ attention these days.
Social-networking sites affect relational skills. Studies show that children gain confidence online, which may help them make friends. On the flip side, technology may cause face-to-face interaction to diminish.
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Ask God: 1. For knowledge and guidance as you supervise your children’s use of technology.
2. To help your children accept oversight and limits with positive attitudes.
3. To help your children use technology in positive, God-pleasing ways.
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Parenting Insights Internet expert Tracy Carpenter points out that our information-based society can influence children from a faith perspective:
1. Image overload—Children take and manipulate countless photos, which can lead to self-centeredness. It also can make kids crave attention and instant gratification.
2. Sensory overload—Parents must make an effort to understand the many ways children communicate today. Take notice of what kids take notice of, or they won’t take notice of you.
3. A new view—Use technology to find out about your kids’ lives and concerns. Also provide a biblical worldview for kids to consider as they use the Internet and other media.
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“He who watches over Psalm 121:4-5
No new technology will ever surpass God, who knows us intimately and is always available for us. Unlike the information available online, God and his Word offer reliable—and eternal—truth.
Teachable Moments
1. Instant Access—Talk about the now-obsolete communication tools you once used and what it was like before people were always reachable. Share that God hears and answers our prayers any time of day or night.
3. It Doesn’t Compute!—When children come across hard-to-believe information online, remind them that not everything they see, read, or hear is true. Then discuss ways to discern the difference between truth and falsehood.
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The Internet makes it possible to have open dialogue with anyone across the globe. Unfortunately, people in the same household often fail to communicate. Start with these questions:
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Family Experience: Thou Shalt Surf Safely Internet-safety experts recommend that families write code-of-conduct contracts for online use. Spend some time together crafting a contract while discussing God’s expectations: · Low-tech life—Discuss how the Bible and Bible events might have been different if digital cameras, cell phones, and the Internet were available back then. For example, how might the Bible have been produced? How might the early church have grown?
· Wired expectations—Talk about the expectations God has for our behavior in various situations. What commandments might he have given for how we use technology to interact with others? How might he want us to use technology to tell other people about him?
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This page is designed to help educate parents and isn’t meant to endorse any movie, music, or product. Our prayer is that you’ll make informed decisions about what your children watch, listen to, and wear. |
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Movie: Fly Me to the Moon (Aug. 8) Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy Rating: G Cast: Christopher Lloyd, Kelly Ripa, Nicollette Sheridan, Tim Curry Synopsis: This animated adventure, the first one created for 3-D, follows three preteen flies in their pursuit to become the first insects on the moon. They hitch a ride aboard the historic Apollo 11 space flight in 1969 and end up playing key roles in the mission. Discussion Questions: What adventure or “mission” would you most like to go on, and why? What obstacles stand in the way of reaching your goal? How is being a Christian an adventure? What roles do you think God has for you to play here on earth?
What Music Is Releasing
Artist: Vanessa Hudgens Album: Identified Artist Info: Vanessa Hudgens is best known as “Gabriella” from the Disney Channel’s hit “High School Musical” franchise. Recovering from an Internet-photo scandal, she recently lashed out at the “stupid” and “mean” people who leaked the compromising images.
Discussion Questions: How do you react when other people tell on you? Do you blame them for speaking out or blame yourself for making bad choices? What type of “damage control” do you undertake when trying to restore people’s trust in you?
What Games Are Out
GAME RATINGS KEY: EC=Early Childhood, E=Everyone (ages 6+), E10+ (ages 10+), T=Teen (ages 13+) |
Culture & Trends What’s happening right now that may affect your children and family:
· Camp counselors must now deal with parents’ “kid-sickness.” Involved, safety-conscious parents accustomed to frequent contact are having trouble sending off their young campers.
· Entrepreneur magazine named “Trust” as a top business influencer. Parents rely on customer reviews and employee advice when making child-related purchases. ______________
Quick Stats · 62% of grandparents say they want to see their grandchildren more. Just 47% of parents say they’d welcome extra bonding time between kids and grandparents. (Child magazine)
· In a recent poll, 75% of parents say they don’t see any harm in telling an occasional white lie “for good reason.” (msnbc.com) |
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