Smartphones have changed adolescent life in America, for both good and ill. When a teenager has a phone in their pocket, there can be a sense of safety for parents. You know you’re just a phone call or text away from your child. But personal devices also carry dangers. As Jill Waggoner recently reported, “One of the most troubling trends associated with our ubiquitous devices is the increased exposure to inappropriate content and the rapid rise of sexting.” How should Christian parents respond when a teenage son or daughter confesses a struggle with looking at pornography or illicit pictures? Scripture gives us at least two encouragements. 

First, limit their access. Jesus makes clear that lust is deadly (Matt. 5:27–3). So, we must take the temptation to sin afforded by personal devices seriously. This will mean putting proactive limits on how (filters in place), when (screen-time limits), and where (in openly supervised parts of the home) online content can be accessed.

Secondly, expand their vision. Those who battle sexual sin must create boundaries (Job 31:1), but growth in Christ is more than merely turning away from lust. We must also help teens and adults who struggle with sexual sin turn toward the Savior. This could mean sharing a testimony with your son or daughter about how Jesus delivered you from sexual sin, or opening God’s Word together to read about Christ’s sanctifying power (Romans 5 is a great place to start). 

As Brian Walker wrote this week, “We are changed when we open our eyes to the glory and beauty of God as revealed in Jesus Christ.” Jesus gives us a more holistic view of ourselves, a more dignified view of others, and a captivating view of himself that empowers repentance.

Confident in his grace,