Whitefield parents gained a new understanding of the power of the internet at “How To Keep Your Kids From Becoming Road Kill On The Information SuperHighway,” presented by Tal Prince on Friday, March 28. Part of the Bolstering Christian Families speaker series, the evening was full of sometimes sobering information about the wide array of applications, websites, and devices which are available to kids today, opening the opportunity for exposure to temptation.
For example, statistics show that the average age of a child’s first exposure to pornography is 11, that a majority of middle school boys expect to see compromising pictures of their girlfriends through text messages, and other upsetting facts. However, Prince’s purpose for his presentation was not to create fear in parents, but rather equip them to deal with the reality of these dangers.
Prince pointed out that the struggle with these temptations is nothing new, but dates as far back as biblical times. The new twist to the problem is how much more easily information is accessed. He encouraged parents to watch over their children’s digital lives, protecting them from exposure to its dangers where possible while equipping them to handle circumstances on their own as well.
“Parents can do this,” he said. “We teach our children how to avoid the dangers of crossing the street; we must teach them how to live in this digital age in much the same way.” Furthering this analogy, Prince added that parents first held their child’s hand while crossing the street together, then walked along side them, then watched them cross by themselves, and ultimately, trusted them to cross the street on their own without supervision.
He encouraged parents to start out monitoring their children’s digital usage heavily, while teaching them to make good choices, then slowly allowing them freedom to make their own choices while holding them accountable.Above all, Prince challenged parents to be vigilantly educated about the digital world around them, but not reactionary or fearful.
According to Prince, the worst thing a parent can do if they discover their child is inappropriately interacting in digital media is freak-out. The goal is not to shame children so that they are hesitant to come to parents and share their struggles and questions – but to equip them, to join with them, as fellow sinners, on the path of an intimate relationship with God.
Prince’s ministry to parents and children grew out of his own struggles with pornography addiction, his overwhelming shame because of it, and his road toward recovery.
“Having gotten hooked on pornography at age 8, an addiction which continued until I was 32, I didn’t believe that God could possibly use me for his glory and to the furtherance of his kingdom,” Prince said. “However, I learned that God didn’t save me because he has good taste, he saved me because he specifically came to ‘seek and save that which was lost.' Everything about me is known to God, and he loves me anyway. The more transparent I’ve allowed myself to become to others, and more importantly, to God, the more I’ve learned to, like the apostle Paul, 'boast in my weaknesses.' By honestly acknowledging what was going on in my life, I have been able to move forward towards transformation.”
Look for Tal Prince's presentation on the Parent Portal soon, or click here to access his radio show.