Children Have a New Sex Education Teacher: Their Phones

Dads (an moms too), in addition to the “sex talk” with your kids, it might be a good idea to have the “tech talk” too.

A middle school teacher in California told CNN, “our kids are learning about sex on their mobile devices, not from us."

When you have a child that is internet savvy, they have access to information and images you'd rather them not see. That’s why a “tech talk" is highly recommended. Be strict about setting parental controls and putting limits on what they can and can’t access. Limit the time they spend with their gadgets, and teach them not to give away information or maintain their privacy. Do not to use their devices in private, and not to chat with people they do not know or not approved by mom and dad.

As you set boundaries, explain to them why it’s in their best interest. And when it comes to sex education, beating the internet is crucial if we want children to understand God's proper design. Someone is going to teach them, and it should be us, not our phones.

How Much Time Should Kids Spend in Front of An Electronic Device?

How much time should kids spend in front of an electronic device?

Pediatric therapist Cris Rowan wrote an excellent piece last year called “10 Reasons Why Handheld Devices Should Be Banned for Children Under the Age of 12.” Referring to research finding by the American Academy of Pediatrics, he claims that a little use of an electronic hand-held gadget (cell phones, tablets, electronic games) is bad for children's social, physical, and psychological growth.

Even Pope Francis expressed his own concerns on this topic, urging young people recently to not waste time on the Internet, smartphones and television, but to spend their time on more productive activities. He said, "Maybe many young people waste too many hours on futile things... Our life is made up of time, and time is a gift from God, so it is important that it be used in good and fruitful actions... chatting on the Internet or with smartphones, watching TV soap operas, and (using) the products of technological progress, which should simplify and improve the quality of life, but distract attention away from what is really important."

The 77-year-old pope has described the Internet as a "gift from God" but also cautioned that the fast and digital world of social media need to be used with discernment and reflection so the young generation will be "a network not of wires but of people."