As parents and educators, we must take deliberate steps to protect our students from the dangers of modern technology by imposing external safeguards such as restrictions and filters. At the same time, we must take the opportunity to train our students to use modern technology properly and develop an internal desire to use it for good purposes rather than wrongful or wasteful activity.
Digital citizenship is a term that has been given to such discussions. As Christians, we should take this concept one step further. God has given the principles and promises of His Word to guide all of our activities. He has given His Son, Jesus Christ, as the perfect example. For us, digital citizenship may be better titled digital stewardship—using technology in a God-honoring way to interact with the world in which He has placed us.
We are to be “in the world, but not of it” (John 17:16). Christ teaches, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:18). The psalmist in Psalm 101:3 vows, “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside.” Solomon instructs his son in Proverbs 1, “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.” On and on we could go, examining a plethora of verses that apply to our digital stewardship.
Over the next few weeks, we will be featuring administrator articles that deal with some of the many areas of digital stewardship, including privacy and security, digital reputation, cyberbullying, relationships, copyrights, and creative credit. Certainly, these articles will not be comprehensive, but I hope that they will stimulate conversations with your children about becoming digital stewards.