When it comes to internet access here there is zero privacy. ZERO.
I’ve listened to arguments about privacy and I’ve not heard a single one that made me rethink the safety of my children.
It’s not only their physical safety we are called to guard! We must guard their hearts, their eyes, and their ears until they can make their own rational decisions.
I’m doubling down rather than easing up on this issue. Why? Because I’ve read countless stories of parents who wish they could undo what’s been done.
There are children- CHILDREN- sending pics, videos and other sexual content of themselves to “friends” online.
And it’s not happening out there somewhere- it’s happening in good, solid Christian homes. It’s happening right under our noses.
The fallout of this crisis is yet to be seen. Our boys are exposed to sexual content and pornography years earlier than their fathers and the consequences are immeasurable.
Parents, educate yourselves on the long term damage of early pornography exposure. I know the old adages bring comfort “boys will be boys.”
But I call bull. We are excusing life altering behavior by assuming that it’s “just what boys do.” No longer is it magazine photos of girls they will never meet- it’s nude pics of girls in their schools.
This is not fear mongering or helicopter parenting, it’s simply common sense.
Check the phones. Monitor their online presence. If you allow social media make sure you’re one of their most engaged followers.
They probably won’t like that. You’ll get some pushback. Parent anyway.
I tell my children all the time “I’m not here to make friends. It’s okay with me if this makes you unhappy.
Why? It’s how I’m keeping them safe.
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This piece originally appeared at Sprinkles in My Closet, published with permission.
