As I continue this series of blogs we have so far reviewed:
- The Brokenness of Anime Influence: Addiction, Escapism & Kingdom Education
- The Impact of Social Media on Our Youth and Mental Health
- The Influence of Gaming
What do all these have in common?
SCREENS!
Screens are now woven into nearly every part of daily life; phones, tablets, computers, and televisions. For young people, this digital presence is not just entertainment, but often their primary environment. The average U.S. teenager now spends 7–8 hours each day on screens outside of schoolwork. While technology can be a powerful tool, it also brings dangers that cannot be denied. We must carefully examine both the risks and the responsibility we have to guide the next generation toward truth and godliness as it relates to their usage of screens.
The Subtle Dangers of Excessive Screen Time
1. Spiritual Drift
Screens can expose children to worldly philosophies, distorted identities, and temptations. Scripture warns us in Colossians 2:8 (KJV): “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”
- Today, 48% of U.S. teens say social media has a mostly negative effect on people their age, up sharply from 32% in 2022 (Pew Research, 2024).
2. Emotional and Mental Health
Heavy use of screens are linked to anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Proverbs 29:25 reminds us, “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.”
- A major 2025 study found that youth with 4+ hours/day of screen time were 65% more likely to experience depression and 45% more likely to experience anxiety compared to peers with less screen time.
- Teenage girls are especially vulnerable, 25% report social media harms their mental health, compared with only 14% of boys.
3. Physical Health and Discipline
Endless scrolling weakens attention spans and erodes discipline. Ephesians 5:15-16 exhorts us: “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
- Over half of U.S. teens report 4+ hours/day on screens, which strongly correlates with poor sleep, lower exercise, and increased risk of obesity (CDC, 2025).
- Nearly 45% of teens say screens harm their sleep, and 40% say it hurts their productivity (Pew Research, 2025).
A Kingdom Education Response
Kingdom Education calls parents, teachers, and churches to work together in shaping a biblical worldview in the next generation. This means helping youth view technology through the lens of Scripture.
- Set Boundaries: As God gave His people commandments for their good, parents must set limits on screen use. Boundaries allow space for study, relationships, service, and worship.
- Model Stewardship: Adults must lead by example. If children see parents and leaders glued to screens, they will imitate that behavior.
- Redirect to Purpose: Youth must learn that their worth is not in likes, followers, or trends, but in Christ. Psalm 119:9 says, “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.”
Redeeming Technology for God’s Glory
Technology itself is not the enemy. It is a tool. Social media can spread the gospel, education can flourish online, and believers can connect across the world. But when screens replace God, distort truth, and enslave hearts, the danger is real.
We should seek to redeem every area of life, including technology, for God’s glory. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” This includes our digital habits.
By discipling youth to measure their choices against Scripture and use technology wisely, we equip them not just for today, but for eternity.
Mr. Euler has 27 years’ experience working in Christian Schools, 17 as a Head of School and is currently the Head of School at Word of God Academy, Shreveport, LA., a ministry of Word of God Ministries.
Website: www.wogacademy.org
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“EQUIPPING FUTURE GENERATIONS FOR LIFE AND ETERNITY”
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