Parent Resources

We want to be a resource to you as a parent or caregiver. Check out the resources below.

Parents Guide to Technology

Set Healthy Guidelines

Technology is a Privilege

The parent signs the contract. Since technology is a privilege, children understand it can be taken away if boundaries are broken.

They Break It. They Buy It.

Children should take responsibility for any physical damage to the phone and for any plan overages.

Devices Will Be Checked for Inappropriate Content

Children understand that parents can and will check their devices. Random and frequent checks create healthy accountability.

Proper Etiquette

Teach children when to silence or turn off the phone – movies, restaurants, dinner table, etc. The phone shouldn’t be used when interacting with someone in person. This is a direct reflection of how parents use their phones. Set a good example.

Set Clear Expectations

Be upfront and clear. If children have a better understanding of the expectations, it will become easier to enforce boundaries.

Just Because a Friend Has It, Doesn’t Mean Your Children Will

All apps can be set up for approval by mom or dad. This gives parents control over which apps are installed on the phone.

Their Presence Online Represents More Than Just Themselves

It’s important for children to realize that what they do online represents their family, friends, church, and school.

Never Use Technology in a Way That Is Hurtful

Anything that wouldn’t be said in person should never be said over text or on a social network. Fake accounts should never be used to make fun of someone. Photos, videos, or text that could be embarrassing to someone else should never be shared.

No Secret Passwords or Accounts

Parents maintain access to all accounts. This adds another level of accountability.

Everything is Public

Remind children that colleges and employers look at social media as a reference. Once it’s online, it’s online forever.

Time with Devices

Define acceptable and unacceptable times of use as well as technology time limits. Times can be adjusted with age and maturity as trust is built.

Use Technology to Encourage

Technology allows people to connect with others easier and more often. It’s important that children use technology to have a positive influence on others.

Technology Tutorials

Apple Devices

Android Devices

Gaming Consoles

Parental Controls on PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox
Nintendo Switch (Video)
Playstation (Video)
Xbox (Video)

Amazon Fire Tablet

Parental Controls on your Amazon Fire tablet

STREAMING PLATFORMS

Netflix

Netflix Parental Controls

Disney Plus

Disney Plus Parental Controls

Filtering and Monitoring

As a parent, there are many resources available to help you filter and monitor your family’s browsing activity. Here are a few companies that help you take control of the technology in your home.

CAUTION

Types of Apps to Watch

Many apps include functionality that can have unintended consequences. These are the types of apps to watch out for when monitoring your family’s devices.

Hidden File Apps

These apps come in the form of fake calculators, games, flashlights, etc. They can be used to access hidden files, photos, videos, and even internet browsers. You can find these apps in the app store by searching for ‘hidden files‘ or ‘hidden browsers.’

Wallpaper Apps

Can contain inappropriate photos.

Apps with In-App Browsers

In-App browsers are the ability to browse the internet from inside an app. It’s like having Internet Explorer, Chrome or Safari built inside an app like Twitter or Facebook. For example, someone could tweet themselves a link to google, then after clicking on the link have access to search google from within the Twitter app. There is no history or tracking on in-app browsing.

Games with Social Components

Examples: Words with Friends (or anything … with Friends), Clash of Clans

Some games can be used more for their chat and social components than gameplay.

Texting or Chat Apps

Examples: Instagram, Snapchat, Tiktok, WhatsApp, Kik, Facebook Messenger

Allows users to text and chat using Wifi or data connection. If you only check the main messaging app on the phone, you may not see everyone your child is texting.

VOIP Apps (Voice Over IP)

Examples: Google Voice, Google Talk, Google Hangouts, Skype, Zoom

Allows users to set up (for free) separate phone numbers, texting, and voicemail. Uses data and Wifi instead of traditional voice plans. With these apps you can use an iPod or iPhone as an actual phone over Wifi.

Do you speak EMOJI?

Beware- these links contain some adult content.

Emoji Slang Guide

Slang Acronyms

Books

Articles

Media

Parents’ Guide to gender & sexuality

Helpful Links by Age Group

As a church, our desire is to partner and equip parents in their role as the primary faith influencers of their kids. These are critical conversations and we want to empower you to have them in biblically-informed and age-appropriate ways. The resources below are not meant to be exhaustive on any topic, but will help begin or continue a conversation with your kids and students.