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ROKU AppTeens and Technology: How to Protect Your “Cubs”
Written by Todd Carey
Today’s fast-paced, connected world can be dangerous for teens, and parents naturally desire to protect their children like a momma bear protects her cubs.
According to MassWildlife.org, adolescent bears typically become independent after about 16 to 17 months. At that point, mama bear may use threats or aggression to disperse her children. However, up until that time she is a fierce protector of her cubs.
The same could be said about human parents in regard to their “cubs”! Parents spend an enormous amount of time trying to create a safe environment and to make sure their children are protected.
When our children become teenagers, their environment and the dangers grow immensely because they become more mobile, exploring their world. The protective nature of the parents can also seem to intensify and grow to a level that sometimes brings a parent and child into conflict. Why does this happen?
“Life comes at you fast” is a popular slogan of a well-known insurance company. In one commercial you see a father swinging his little son. After a few swings, a fully grown teenager swings back, almost knocking his father down.
Life comes fast to our teens too. The world is fast, and as our teens try to make sense of it all, it can test the most resilient of parents. The world holds out great attractions and temptations to our teens.
So how do mama and papa bear protect their cubs from the polluted eye candy of this world? When does protecting become overprotecting? When does involvement become smothering?
Tech-savvy parents
The society we live in targets our youth and looks upon them as some of the most ardent consumers of gadgets and media. The terminology of technology continues to change, and we will be hard-pressed to protect our children if we don’t know what to protect them from.
Cell phones are becoming Internet-connected smart phones, and laptops are morphing into tablets. The innovations are exciting to young minds, and the pressure to own the latest, top-of-the-line electronic toy is at an all-time high. As parents, it is very important that we at least can speak this new language so we can communicate with our children about what is safe and pure as opposed to the potential temptations and dangers.
Even though our “cubs” are growing and learning, they may not be ready to “hunt” on their own, even when it comes to technology and the different avenues information can take us on. Parents should become familiar with any device their child wishes to purchase. Discussing the pros and cons of the device and making recommendations will help our teens consider the usefulness of a potential purchase. A tech-informed parent can speak with conviction and confidence without being perceived as overprotective or as simply wanting to prevent his or her child from obtaining the latest device.
If your child is permitted to buy a phone or other electronic gadget, seek to learn how to use it or, at the very least, ask your child to show you what the new equipment can do! Our children enjoy showing and teaching others—even parents—about their latest acquisition.
Staying on guard
Protecting our children continues even after their purchase of the latest technology. They may be regularly downloading new apps, music and other media, so try to stay in tune with what is showing up on their equipment. Help them learn to judge between media that supports God’s way and that which goes against God’s laws.
Even when we mature spiritually, we still rely on God’s protection. The apostle Paul spoke about God being on guard for His people: “But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you” (2 Thessalonians 3:3-4).
Pray for protection for yourself and your children, and teach God’s way by example and by words of instruction and encouragement.
Since our children are a blessing from God, we should always be vigilant in seeking to protect and guard them from potential pitfalls. Though our “cubs” may not always understand or appreciate it, we should be fierce protectors of them—these special gifts God has given us.
Todd Carey serves as a pastor for the Church of God, a Worldwide Association. He and his wife, Gloria, have been married for 24 years and have two sons, Justin and Bronson. Todd and Gloria serve the brethren of Williamsburg, Virginia, and Delmar, Delaware.
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