Addicted, anxious and online: What every Christian parent needs to know about social media and wellbeing

When 15-year-old Anna decides to embark on a fitness regime, she soon discovers social-media posts offering nutrition advice. Embracing her new healthy lifestyle enthusiastically, she begins sharing her progress online. Within weeks, she finds herself scrolling through dieting regimens. As well as working out at the gym, she begins limiting her food intake. Her social media use quickly spirals from anorexia and bulimia sites onto pages promoting self-harm. 

Jonty came across porn while at a friend’s house. He is surprised by how excited and aroused the images make him feel. Back at home, in the secrecy of his bedroom, he steals another look, and soon it becomes a daily ritual. Before long, he finds himself seeking out more and more extreme content—it seems to be taking over his life. He feels imprisoned by the habit, but he can’t stop. 

Saanvi is thrilled to get a smartphone for her birthday. Now, at last, she can be part of the crowd. But that night, curled up under her duvet in the darkness and scrolling through the shiny posts and messages, she feels more isolated and lonelier than ever before. She stifles a sob as she thinks how boring her life is and how unattractive she is compared to the other girls. 

Technology forms the wallpaper of our lives, and while we need to be aware of the dangers, it is worth reminding ourselves that there is a plus side. The online world opens the door to new friendships and communities and can provide social support, particularly for those who are on the margins. There have even been reports of an increasing number of young people exploring questions of faith after coming across Bible verses on TikTok and references to spirituality online.

Technology may not be all bad, but it is powerful. Reports link it to a litany of concerns, including attention disorders, poor concentration span, addiction, sleep deprivation, and loneliness—together with their twin bedfellows, anxiety and depression. 

Perhaps then it’s not surprising that many parents are feeling anxious and at a loss when navigating tech in the home. Seeking to put clear boundaries in place to protect our children can feel an uphill struggle—and it is, for the simple reason that we are not on a level playing field. There are some powerful forces at play.