Rarely do children have the character to manage electronics on their own—that’s why they have parents. As screens become a central part of life, many parents feel overwhelmed by the challenges they bring. Parental concerns usually revolve around three central ideas: 1) excessive screen time resulting in an imbalanced life, 2) exposure to worldliness and negative influences, and 3) neglect of responsibilities.

But here’s the good news: when guided intentionally, electronics can become powerful tools for teaching children essential life skills like life balance, integrity, and responsibility. It has much to do with a heart-based approach to parenting. Let me explain.

The Problem: Electronics and an Unbalanced Life
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In many homes, the glow of a screen has become a near-constant companion for children. While technology offers entertainment, connection, and learning, its overuse often tips the scales toward imbalance. Children may spend hours scrolling, gaming, or streaming, while physical activity, social interactions, spiritual growth, and creative pursuits are left behind. As screen time increases, other aspects of a child’s development—emotional, physical, spiritual, and relational—can suffer.

The issue goes deeper than simply setting limits. The Bible describes the heart as the internal processing unit of a person, and thus it plays the central role in decision-making. When children become overly reliant on screens, their hearts may seek fulfillment or identity in the digital world rather than in meaningful, real-life experiences. Training the heart to embrace balance is essential for helping children learn to make wise, intentional choices.

Parents can use electronics as a tool for teaching balance. For example, using electronics as a motivator can encourage children to make healthier choices. If a child wants to play a video game or watch a video, they must first complete tasks that build other aspects of their lives—reading, outdoor play, Bible interaction, or family responsibilities. By tying screen time to these positive habits, parents guide their children to prioritize activities that nurture their bodies, relationships, and spirits.

This approach isn’t just about rules—it’s about helping children develop a heart that values balance and learns to find satisfaction in a well-rounded life.

The Problem: Worldliness Influencing Their Hearts
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Parents often worry about the messages their children absorb through social media, gaming, and other digital content. From questionable role models to values that conflict with biblical teachings, the digital world is filled with influences that can subtly shape a child’s heart and worldview. These moments of exposure may seem small, but over time, they can lead to shifts in attitudes, priorities, and even identity.

Proverbs 4:23 reminds us of the importance of guarding our hearts: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (NIV). This verse highlights the heart as the source of a person’s desires, decisions, and actions. When children spend significant time in digital spaces filled with worldly messages, their hearts can be drawn away from what is true, noble, and right. As parents, the challenge is not to shield our children entirely from these influences but to guide them toward discernment and biblical truth.

One practical way to address this is by using parental controls to filter inappropriate content and set healthy boundaries. However, the greater opportunity lies in being present and engaged. Co-view or co-play with your children whenever possible, using these shared experiences to discuss what they’re watching or playing.

Ask open-ended questions like, “What do you think about that character’s decision?” or “Does this line up with what we believe about kindness or honesty?” These conversations don’t just teach discernment—they also reinforce the importance of integrity and biblical values in everyday choices.

By taking an active role in their children’s digital lives, parents can transform moments of exposure to worldly influences into opportunities for meaningful heart training and spiritual growth.

The Problem: Irresponsibility with Life
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Electronics overuse often leads children to neglect important areas of life. Whether it’s unfinished homework, skipped chores, a lack of engagement in family activities, or a decline in spiritual growth, the pull of digital devices can crowd out responsibilities and meaningful connections. Over time, this neglect can create patterns of irresponsibility, making it harder for children to prioritize what truly matters as they grow older.

The issue isn’t just about what children do or don’t accomplish today; it’s about what they are learning in the process. Luke 16:10 reminds us, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much” (NIV). When children neglect small responsibilities now, they may struggle with larger commitments later, like managing their time, balancing a budget, or maintaining healthy relationships. The habits they form today will influence the adults they become tomorrow.

One practical solution is to implement a “tech trade-off” approach. In this system, children earn their screen time by completing responsibilities such as homework, household chores, or acts of kindness. By requiring children to fulfill duties before engaging with electronics, parents not only manage screen time but also instill valuable skills like time management, accountability, and the importance of prioritizing responsibilities. This approach fosters a heart of diligence and helps children see that balance in life is both achievable and rewarding.

In Summary
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Electronics don’t have to control your home; they can become powerful tools for shaping your child’s heart and building essential life skills. By addressing overuse, guiding their hearts away from worldly influences, and fostering responsibility, you can help your children grow into wise, balanced, and purposeful individuals.

Remember, your child doesn’t need perfection—they need guidance. With your intentional leadership, they can learn to use technology in ways that enrich their lives and align with your family’s values.

Ready to take the next step? Explore my Technology Wellness at Home parenting course for more practical strategies to guide your family’s digital habits with purpose and heart. Learn more at biblicalparenting.org/technology.​

Dr. Scott Turansky heads up the National Center for Biblical Parenting and has created seven courses for church small groups and written 17 books. He’s been a pastor for 45 years and trains coaches to work one-on-one with parents.