Faith, Kids, and Screens: Protecting Kids’ Mental Health

Do you have a little one nearby who’s staring at a screen? Don’t think you’re alone in feeling overwhelmed by the digital world and its effect on our children. As parents, we look around and wonder how we got here, where tablets have become babysitters and phones are now constant companions for our children. We are not left without wisdom to protect kids’ mental health. His word holds the answers we need.

Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he grows older, he will not abandon it. – Proverbs 22:6, NASB

There is no doubt that we’re raising children in a time unlike any other. Kids are growing up as digital natives, surrounded by screens from the moment they can focus their eyes. Technology brings wonderful opportunities for learning and connection, but it also brings challenges. Screen use affects kids’ mental health, emotional development, and spiritual growth in various ways we are just beginning to understand.

Understanding the Screen Struggle

When we look at the screen generation, we can become overwhelmed. Studies have shown that children are spending more than two hours a day on recreational screen time and scoring lower on thinking and language tests at school. With this heavy screen exposure comes an increased rate of anxiety, depression, and attention difficulties. These are the mental health issues that concern every parent who seeks to raise healthy children.

As Christian parents, we understand that our children are more than just developing brains  –  they are eternal souls created in God’s image. Spending hours each day in a virtual world can cause something profound to happen in their inner life. The repeated stimulation can make it difficult for them to sit quietly and listen for God’s voice. The speed at which entertainment is accessible makes real life, conversations, and relationships feel slow and boring.

This struggle is seen in kids who are unable to engage in prayer because of a racing mind or cannot sit still to enjoy a sunset because it’s not as fast as a video. The world wants to crowd out faith and a relationship with God. As parents, there needs to be intentionality about what we allow to be planted in the garden of our children’s hearts.

Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. — Proverbs 4:23, NASB

Rest, Relationship, and Rhythm in Childhood

Looking at how God designed children, parents can see beautiful patterns that technology will often disrupt. Children are created to learn through wonder, grow through authentic relationships, and develop character through rest and challenge. Kids are wired to find joy in the simple things, such as jumping in the rain, letting sand pass between their fingers, and hearing the voice of a loved one.

God established a rhythm of rest, not just for adults, but for children as well. It’s in the quietness of this rest that their spirit and mind can rest. With imaginations that soar, they need time to simply be children without the constant consumption of entertainment on tablets and phones. Allowing this natural, unstructured time is vital for kids mental health and spiritual development.

Adults are not the only ones who require real relationships. Kids need them so they can learn empathy and develop patience through the conversations they have face-to-face. These serve as the building blocks of emotional and spiritual health for kids. As screens become the primary source of interaction, children miss out on the deep connections that teach them, such as God’s love and human relationships.

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth!” —Psalm 46:10, EVS

Creating Healthy Boundaries for Kids’ Mental Health

Setting boundaries around screen time isn’t meant to deprive our children of modern convenience or to be a mean parent. It’s actually about being good stewards of the children God has entrusted to our care. It’s the same as creating healthy meals so they can consume the nutrients they need to grow physically. Digital boundaries will help with establishing good mental health for our kids.

A starting place for setting digital boundaries is through prayer. Seeking wisdom for the situation is as individual as each household. Some homes find success with a certain screen-free time, and others find that setting a tech-free zone works best. The key is to approach the boundaries with love and explanation. This will help kids understand that the limits are not designed to be a punishment.

As parents, we have to model the behavior we want them to see. Kids are watching how we are consuming the digital world. If we expect them to limit their time, then we must be willing to do so as well. We have to show them how to be intentional by choosing them over the screen.

Likewise, we need to model for them how to find joy in the simple pleasures of life that surround us. If we create space for God in our daily rhythm, then they will eventually choose the same.

It’s not just about monitoring screen time. It is also about teaching them to be wise stewards of their time, talents, attention, and hearts. This will develop skills that they will carry into adulthood and, at some point, pass on to their children.

All things are permitted, but not all things are of benefit. All things are permitted, but not all things build people up. —1 Corinthians 10:23, NASB

Hope and Healing When Screen Time Has Taken Over

You may be feeling like you have already failed, and screen time has taken over your home. Rest assured, you have not failed. You are not the only one feeling those hard feelings. God sees the situation, and He has a plan and grace that will lead your family to a healthy rhythm in a digital world. There is hope for a beautiful transformation when parents approach the situation with patience, prayer, and practical steps.

The best thing to do is to start small and be consistent. You cannot expect your child to go cold turkey after having years of unlimited screen time. That typically creates more stress and can cause more behavioral problems. Christian counselors suggest gradually reducing screen time while increasing alternative activities that keep your child engaged. Many interactive alternatives compete with screen time, such as nature walks, baking, or art projects.

If your child begins to show extreme outbursts of aggression or significant mood changes when screen time ends, it may be wise to consider reaching out to a local Christian counselor. Trained Christian counselors can provide strategies that are family and faith-centered while addressing a child’s mental health.

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:18, NASB

Help is Available: Christian Counseling in Texas for Kids’ Mental Health

It helps to remember that lasting change happens in a community. This means that connecting with other parents who are setting digital boundaries will help create accountability and togetherness. God didn’t design us to do life on our own. Cultivating relationships that help with the challenges of parenting creates a sense of belonging.

You could also employ the help of a Christian counselor in Texas who understands that it is vital to protect kids’ mental health. They help you create a strategy for a healthier lifestyle with limited digital interactions.

If you or someone you know is looking for help with setting digital boundaries for the sake of their kids’ mental health, then reach out to our reception team today at Texas Christian Counseling to make an appointment with me or one of the other qualified counselors in our office.

Remember, your child isn’t defined by their screen habits. They are created for a purpose that goes beyond the digital age.