Practical Advice for Parents to Instill Christian Values in a Tech-Driven World

Parenting is hard. Parenting with faith? Even harder. Parenting with faith in the digital age? Let’s just say, if Noah had to build the ark while his kids were watching YouTube, he might’ve needed another 40 days just to get them off their screens.

But here we are. Raising kids in a world that bombards them with messages—many of which stand in direct opposition to biblical values. So, how do we do it? How do we instill Christian principles in our children while navigating the vast, uncontrollable ocean of the internet, social media, and digital influence?

The answer? Intentionally. Boldly. Prayerfully. And with a good dose of grace for yourself and them. Let’s get real about what that looks like.

1. Your Kids are Watching You—Even Online

We can’t expect our kids to develop godly habits if they see us glued to our screens, obsessing over the latest political outrage or scrolling mindlessly when we could be engaging with them. If we want our children to value their faith over their phones, we have to model that first.

• Let them see you read your Bible—not just the Bible app, but an actual, physical Bible.
• Be intentional about family time that doesn’t involve screens.
• Practice discernment with your own media consumption. If you’re binging content that contradicts your values, don’t be surprised when your kids do the same.

2. Teach Them to Filter, Not Just Avoid

Sheltering your kids completely from technology is like trying to keep a fish from water—it’s just not realistic. Instead of forbidding screens (which only makes them more appealing), teach them how to engage with digital content through the lens of faith.

• Ask questions: “Does this honor God?” “How does this content shape your thoughts?”
• Teach them to test everything against Scripture: (1 Thessalonians 5:21 – “Test everything; hold fast to what is good.”)
• Give them tools for discernment: Use filters, parental controls, and accountability software, but don’t rely solely on them. Teach kids to choose well even when no one is watching.

3. Set Boundaries Without Being a Tyrant

The digital world is relentless, but your family culture should be stronger. This means setting clear, loving boundaries on technology:

• No phones at the dinner table – Make meals a time of real connection.
• Bedtime = screen-free time – Protect their minds and sleep.
• Sabbath from screens – Take a digital break on Sundays or another chosen day to focus on faith and family.
• Talk about the “why” – Rules without reason lead to rebellion. Explain why certain apps, games, or content aren’t allowed.

4. Keep the Conversations Open

One of the biggest mistakes Christian parents make is creating a culture of secrecy and shame around technology. If your kids are afraid to admit they watched something inappropriate or encountered bad influences online, they’ll turn elsewhere for answers.

• Let them know they can talk to you about anything.
• Don’t freak out when they confess something. Respond with grace and guidance.
• Create a home where they feel safe, not condemned.

5. Encourage Real-World Faith

Faith isn’t just something we do on Sundays. If our kids only see Christianity as a church thing, they won’t take it into their digital lives. We must show them that faith is lived out every day.

• Serve together – Get them involved in missions, charity, or community service.
• Pray often – Not just at meals, but throughout the day.
• Apply faith to everyday life – Show them how God’s Word speaks to current events, challenges, and even what they watch and play.

6. Equip Them for Digital Discipleship

The internet isn’t just a threat—it’s also an opportunity. Our kids have the chance to be salt and light in a dark digital world. Encourage them to use their online presence for good.

• Post uplifting content and Scripture.
• Stand up for truth, but do it with love.
• Engage with non-believers in a Christlike way.

7. Pray Like Their Lives Depend on It (Because They Do)

You can set all the rules and filters you want, but nothing replaces the power of prayer. Cover your children in prayer daily. Ask God to guard their hearts, give them wisdom, and strengthen their faith in a world that constantly pulls them in the other direction.

Final Thoughts: Lead with Love

At the end of the day, raising kids with faith in the digital age isn’t about controlling them—it’s about discipling them. It’s about showing them a faith that’s real, relevant, and resilient enough to withstand the digital storm.

Will they mess up? Yes. Will you mess up? Definitely.

But God’s grace is bigger than our failures. Keep pointing them back to Him, keep modeling what it means to walk in faith, and trust that He is writing their story—even in a tech-driven world.

How do you navigate faith and technology with your kids? Share your thoughts in the comments below!