Children are a gift, and parenting today presents unique challenges. With the world vying for their attention through digital devices, parents must be proactive in guiding their development, experts say.
Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch announced this week that the state will receive about $189 million from Meta Platforms to settle a 2023 lawsuit. The suit claimed that Facebook and Instagram intentionally designed features to be addictive and harmful to children while also collecting their data illegally. Fitch praised the effort of attorneys general nationwide in addressing these issues.
However, experts stress that government action alone isn’t enough. Parents and guardians are called to create environments that foster physical, emotional, and spiritual growth. This often involves making difficult choices, including saying “no” to certain digital activities.
One parent shared that his family has not owned a television for 44 years, citing concerns about its impact on brain development. He noted that smartphones pose an even greater threat, as they offer access to more harmful content. A conversation with a fellow parent revealed that controlling device use requires active parental involvement, including financial control over devices.
Child advocates recommend focusing on offline activities such as family meals, worship, Scripture memory, chores, creative pursuits, and community service. These practices help create fulfilling alternatives to screen time. Many parents choose to keep their children without personal phones or computers until college, recognizing their responsibility to shield children from digital overexposure.
Research shows that technology creators often limit their own children’s exposure to digital devices. Parents who set boundaries may be viewed as “different,” but many believe that standing apart aligns with spiritual callings to be holy and set apart. Ultimately, parents are encouraged to make hard choices to protect their children and prepare them for a life of abundance.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
