Combating Digital Sin: Crucial Advice for Parents from Mr. Gabe Youtsey

From Mr. Youtsey’s presentation, given September 19, 2012 at GVCC:

There is no denying the Internet is a useful tool. Banking, shopping, paying bills, and keeping in touch with friends and relatives have never been easier, and the Internet has even facilitated the spread of the gospel throughout the world. There is also no denying that it can be harmful and a stumbling block to those who either underestimate its influence or deliberately choose to misuse it. Pornography, online predators, gaming addictions, and over-sharing personal information on social networks are just a few of the potential dangers that the Internet poses.

For this reason, it is imperative that we take appropriate action to guard ourselves and our children against impurity. Paul says, “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people” (Eph. 5:3). Therefore, as God’s holy people we have a responsibility to promote personal purity, as well as the purity of our children. (See also Pastor Mathew’s sermon, “Children of Light”).

This can prove to be quite a challenge, as teenagers often have a better grasp of modern technology than parents do. Statistics say that the average teenager spends at least five hours per day online, and seventy percent hide their online behavior from their parents. However, there are resources available to assist parents who are trying to monitor their children’s Internet capabilities. While safeguarding the computer is critical, it is also important to supervise less obvious systems, such as Portable Internet Devices, televisions, Xboxes, and PlayStations, which can connect to Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube.

It might seem intrusive to restrict access to Internet content in order to safeguard a technological device for a teen or child, but Jesus says, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves” (Matt. 10:16). While the Internet is not inherently evil, the ability to use it for evil cannot be underestimated. Act shrewdly, therefore, to preserve the Internet as a beneficial tool and prevent it from becoming a gateway for evil.

For helpful websites and specific tips about Internet safety, parents can email the church office at gvcc@gracevalley.org.