Youth and the Internet
Like it or not, the Internet has in recent years become one of the most influential aspects of your child’s life. Used in everything from school work to keeping in touch with old friends and meeting new ones, this technological innovation has the power--and the potential--to affect our children’s lives in numerous ways that we have never even dreamed previously possible.
In the face of all this influence that the Internet has on our children, it is only right that we as responsible Christian parents should be concerned about the appropriateness of our children’s Internet activities. As much as we would like to think that this is a safe world for our children to grow up in, the sad fact of the matter is that there are many people out there who will have somewhat less than admirable intentions upon our precious children.
Of course we all would like our children to grow up without cowering in the face of every potential threat that is out there imagined or otherwise, and the Internet is no exception. We should find a way to give our children the healthy measure of trust from our end by allowing then to enjoy as much independence as they are able to handle--but at the same time protecting them from any unsavory online predators that may be lurking about.
A good way to do this is by spending some time in conversation with your child and finding out more about their online interests and the sites that they visit. This will allow you to gain a feel for your children’s preferences and to ensure that they are not dropping by any sites that they are not supposed to be in.
The Internet can be a wonderfully useful and productive tool for your teenager. With some careful guidance on your part it can continue to serve them the best way possible.
