While your kids are scrolling, someone is discipling them. The question every Christian parent must answer is this: Will it be you—or the culture?
Dr. Brad Harrub addresses this issue on his facebook page. His advice to parents is practical, pointed, and scripturally sound.
Parents: Stop Letting Culture Disciple Your Kids
by Brad Harrub, Ph.D.
Hey parents, maybe it’s time to limit your children’s screen time. This comes from a guy who has watched young people on their phones during an entire worship service. And sadly, we are starting to see the fruits from it!
Somewhere along the way, many Christian parents quietly handed the “classroom keys” to culture. Instead of shaping their children’s worldview, they allowed TikTok, YouTube personalities, celebrities, and secular teachers to do the talking. And then we wonder why so many young people walk away from the faith.
Here’s the simple truth: if parents don’t teach their children, culture will.
Look at just two examples.
First, consider the assault on Truth! Culture loudly proclaims that truth is subjective—“live your truth.” Kids hear it in movies, music, and social media every day. Yet Scripture says something entirely different. Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Truth isn’t flexible. It isn’t personal preference. It is grounded in God. (John 17:17)
Second, consider the way culture treats sexual purity. Movies, streaming shows, and influencers normalize behavior that Scripture clearly condemns. Hebrews 13:4 reminds us that marriage is honorable and that sexual purity matters to God. But if culture is doing the teaching, that message rarely gets heard.
The result? Many Christian teens grow up with a worldview shaped more by Netflix than by the Bible.
But parents are not powerless. In fact, God gave them the responsibility to lead.
First, be intentional about biblical teaching at home. Deuteronomy 6:6–7 instructs parents to talk about God’s commands when sitting in the house, walking along the road, lying down, and getting up. Faith shouldn’t just happen on Sunday mornings. It should be woven into everyday life.
Second, monitor and guide what your children consume. Parents need to know what their kids are watching, listening to, and scrolling through. Ask questions. Discuss what they see. Help them evaluate culture through a biblical lens rather than passively absorbing it.
The world is very eager to disciple your children. The question is simple:
Will you let it?
God never intended for culture to raise Christian kids. He gave that mission to parents.
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