Faithful parenting in the Digital Age: Raising children in God's love
Two siblings are engulfed in their smartphones and digital devices in a quiet suburban home.
Consumed by notifications and endless messaging, they forsake academic responsibilities for mindless scrolling and games.
Possibly feeling detached, the siblings' personalities dull as they become engrossed in screens, leaving family interactions sidelined.
Alarmingly, signs of addiction emerge— sleep deprivation and shortened attention spans. Parental intervention triggers defiance and withdrawal.
Attempts at outdoor activities are met with disdain, as the virtual world's allure overshadows reality.
Family dynamics strain, and their parents struggle to restore the balance between technology and genuine connection.
The situation reveals a conflict between digital obsessions and real-life interactions, challenging the family's core dynamics.
Their family grapples with the repercussions of their tech-centric lifestyle. They confront the delicate task of reclaiming faithful parenting while navigating the powerful grip of the digital world.
The Gen Z
The generation following Millennials, ages 6 to 23, is called Post-Millennial, Gen Z, or iGen. These terms are coined for those born between 1995 and 2012, constituting 74 million Americans or 24% of the population.
Their generation stands out for its unparalleled diversity, representing the most varied group in American history.
Additionally, iGen holds the distinction of being the most digitally connected and smartphone-dependent cohort.
Born after the commercialization of the Internet in 1995, Gen Z members lack any recollection of a pre-Internet era. They collectively entered, or are yet to, their adolescence during the smartphone's reign.
Navigating the challenges of raising these teens in the digital age poses a significant task for parents.
Generation Z facts
Here are brief facts about Gen Z according to TrueList:
- Gen Zers comprise 26% of the total worldwide global population.
- Gen Zers are expected to account for 40% of consumers in the US.
- They have only eight seconds of attention span.
- Generation Z statistics on screen time show 71% of all teens spend three or more hours per day watching videos.
- Gen Zers will make up 27% of the workforce by 2025.
- A massive 91% of the Gen Z population declares technology is a decisive factor in choosing a career.
- 97% of them learn about new products and processes from social media.
- 58% of Generation Zers would want to have an excellent work-life balance.
- In the last six months, 53% of Generation Zers bought something through a mobile device.
- Generation Z is the US's most racially and ethnically diverse age group.
- Nearly all Generation Z individuals worldwide own a smartphone.
Characteristics of the Generation Z
Jean Twenge, a San Diego State University psychologist, has written the most systematic study about iGen.
Here are some key characteristics she has observed:
Digital natives
Gen individuals have grown up in a world where smartphones, social media, and digital technology are ever-present. They are more comfortable and adept at using these technologies from a young age.
IGen members spend significant time on screens, including smartphones, computers, and tablets. This prolonged screen exposure has raised concerns about its potential effects on mental health, attention spans, and social interactions.
IGen is often associated with the rise of social media platforms. Twenge has studied how these platforms impact self-esteem, body image, and overall mental well-being among iGen individuals.
Delayed milestones and social interactions
IGen members tend to delay certain traditional milestones of adulthood, such as getting a driver's license, dating, and engaging in activities like alcohol consumption. This delay could be attributed to various factors, including increased online time.
Despite their digital connectedness, iGen individuals might engage in fewer face-to-face interactions. They may prefer digital communication methods like texting and social media over in-person conversations.
Individualism, inclusivity, and caution
IGen is often seen as valuing individualism and diversity. They may be more accepting and open-minded regarding issues of identity, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.
Besides, they may be more risk-averse and cautious compared to previous generations. They may prioritize safety and stability over taking risks.
Research has shown that iGen individuals may be politically engaged, particularly on social issues like climate change, gender equality, and social justice.
Academic and Career Focus
IGen individuals are often portrayed as being focused on their education and future careers. They may exhibit a strong desire to succeed academically and professionally.
Twenge's research has also suggested that iGen individuals may prioritize work-life balance and value jobs that offer flexibility and meaningful experiences.
Teen depression and suicide
Twenge's research and corroborating studies underscore a troubling trend: a rapid surge in teen depression, particularly among iGen. In three years (2012-2015), depression rates rose 21% for boys and a startling 50% for girls, paralleled by a distressing increase in suicide rates.
This generation's paradox of online confidence masking real-life vulnerability is a concern. She warns of a potential mental health crisis, attributing the deterioration, in large part, to iGen's smartphone usage.
Managing smartphones and devices for children
A family happily viewing their laptop. (Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels)
1. Establish clear usage guidelines. Define specific smartphone and computer rules, including screen time limits, appropriate content, and designated usage hours. Communicate the consequences of violating these guidelines.
2. Parental control software. Install and configure parental control apps on smartphones and computers to monitor and manage usage. These apps can restrict access to certain websites, apps, and content and set time limits.
3. Encourage device-free zones. Designate specific areas and times in the home as device-free zones to promote face-to-face interactions and family bonding.
4. Educate about online safety. Teach children about online privacy, the dangers of sharing personal information, and how to recognize and avoid online threats.
5. Promote balanced activities. Encourage a mix of online and offline activities to support a well-rounded lifestyle. This practice could include sports, reading, hobbies, and creative pursuits.
6. Monitor social media use. If your child uses social media, help them understand the importance of responsible sharing, digital etiquette, and kindness online.
7. Support educational use. Introduce educational websites, apps, and software to make productive use of computer time. Encourage learning activities that align with your child's interests.
8. Model Digital Balance. Demonstrate healthy tech habits by managing your own screen time and showing how to take breaks from devices.
9. Regular screen time breaks. Encourage children to take regular breaks from screens to prevent eye strain and promote physical activity.
10. Engage in open conversations. Have ongoing conversations about the benefits and challenges of technology. Discuss the potential impact on mental health, social skills, and overall well-being.
11. Teach critical thinking. Help your child develop critical thinking skills to assess online information, including differentiating between reliable sources and misinformation.
12. Set an example. Show your child how to manage notifications, maintain a healthy work-life-tech balance, and prioritize offline interactions.
13. Collaborative media consumption. Watch movies, TV shows, or online videos together and discuss content to reinforce critical thinking and media literacy skills.
14. Regularly update guidelines. As your child grows and technology evolves, revisit and adjust guidelines to ensure they remain practical and relevant.
15. Promote creativity and learning. Encourage your child to use computers for creative pursuits such as digital art, coding, or writing, which can help them develop valuable skills.
God's Wisdom: Faithful parenting
Proverbs 22:6. (Photo taken from Bible Portal)
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." - Proverbs 22:6
In a rapidly changing world dominated by technology and new ways of thinking, the wisdom found in Proverbs 22:6 takes on a renewed significance. This ancient proverb encapsulates a timeless truth that resonates profoundly with the challenges the Gen Z generation faces.
Gen Z, growing up in an era marked by constant connectivity and digital distractions, often finds themselves navigating uncharted territories.
The values, beliefs, and guidance instilled in them during their formative years can serve as a compass when they encounter the ever-evolving challenges of today's world.
Moreover, The Bible encourages parents, educators, and mentors to invest time and effort in providing a solid foundation for the younger generation.
In the context of Gen Z, this involves imparting knowledge and skills and fostering emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and resilience.
We can help them build a sense of identity, purpose, and inner strength by cultivating faith, trust, and open communication.
However, it is essential to acknowledge that Gen Z's journey is uniquely shaped by the digital landscape they've grown up in.
As we apply the wisdom of Proverbs 22:6, we must adapt our approaches to meet them where they are.
Let us leverage technology to facilitate faithful parenting and engagement while nurturing real-world connections.
Along with bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary realities, we can positively impact the lives of Gen Z and pave the way for a brighter future.
