As parents and/or leaders of children, we must be alert to be able to train and protect the lives of this generation. To do that, we must be aware of what they are facing daily. In this time, where technology has been advancing in a surprising way, it is already normal to see children from an early age using smartphones and tablets; thus connected to others through social networks and games.
Statistics show that because of this familiarity with mobile technology, and because of their easy access to the internet with very little prevention, children encounter pornography for the first time around age 8. That is where we must take immediate action and exercise the precious privilege that God has given us as parents, mentors, and guides for this generation.
In Proverbs 22:3 it says, “A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences” (NLT). We must know the current situation and act in time; for it is better to be safe than to have regret.
The issue of pornography is not a topic that is talked about very openly in the church, but that the enemy has long used it to destroy the lives and marriages of many people, even within the church. We must not ignore the schemes of the enemy. Jesus said in John 10:10a, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (ESV).
Throughout the last two years during the global COVID-19 pandemic, statistics show that there has been a dramatic increase in the consumption of child pornography and other forms of porn. Because of this, we want to share with you a few resources to face this problem and especially to help prevent it from entering your home.
Defend Young Minds (defendyoungminds.com) provides a “digital self-defense” to help raise empowered, resilient, and screen-smart kids. Bark (bark.us) proactively monitors text messages, YouTube, emails, and 30+ different social networks for potential safety concerns, so busy parents can save time and gain peace of mind. Canopy (canopy.us) provides an app for families that blocks porn, helps stop sexting, and keeps your family safer online.
This current problem also leads us to remember that sex education is a very important issue that corresponds to us as parents to address with our children from an early age. Previously it was a taboo subject that rarely talked about in homes, and even less in local churches. However, it is a subject of supreme importance for the lives of our children; our job and responsibility is to instruct them and share the truth with them. The truth of God's precious design for man and woman, the truth of how the design of marriage was born in the heart of God and how sexuality is part of His plan.
We know that difficult times are coming and that our faith must be grounded in the truth of God and His word so, we encourage you to continue with your eyes set on Him and that with His grace and authority, you can approach your children and share these truths.
Jesus went on to say in John 10:10b, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (ESV). Let’s continue together with that mission of connecting this generation to Jesus so that they can have an abundant life!