"Technology gives us power, but it does not and cannot 
tell us how to use that power. Thanks to technology, 
we can instantly communicate across the world, but it still doesn't help us 
know what to say."
 
--Jonathan Sacks
  

 

"Above all else, guard your heart, 

for everything you do flows from it."

Proverbs 4:23

 

Technology has advanced beyond belief, and our lives, now more than ever, are affected and influenced  by the latest and greatest gadgets. Along with advances in technology comes access to infinite information, and unless taught appropriate ways to handle that privilege, kids can wander into dangerous places for their impressionable minds. As a parent, you are responsible for protecting your child's online access.

 

The internet can be a wonderful source of information and can allow us to learn about other people groups, lifestyles, and cultures. Many school projects now require at-home research, and without the proper internet safety precautions, 
the simplest, most innocent 'Google' search can produce links to inappropriate content. Almost 80% of unwanted/unintentional exposure to pornography takes 
place in the home (a link came up from an innocent word search, pop-ups, misspelled web address, etc.). 

How are you helping to guard your child's mind and heart? What restrictions/parental controls have you set up on your child's tablet, smartphone, or computer? 

Below you will find many resources for using parental controls on  your phones, tablets, and computers. We encourage you to explore these and find what fits your family's needs. 
While these parental controls are essential to online safety, they cannot replace one-on-one conversations with your child about the importance of internet safety and responsibility. 
We hope that this email will give you the tools you need 
to start that conversation. Please do not hesitate to let us 
know if you have questions or would like additional 
information about the resources below.
 

In Him,
Cliff Cary & Sarah Stevens

 
 
 


This booklet gives you thorough step-by-step instructions and screenshots for safeguarding your Android and iOS (Apple) tablets and smart phones. There are also several additional resources for Internet Filtering Sites and Internet Safety Organizations.
 
It can be hard to know where to start when it comes to teaching your kids about technology safety, knowing what parental controls to set, and establishing technology rules and guidelines for your family. This simple checklist will help you accomplish the most basic technology safety  precautions. 
 




RightNow Media is the "Netflix" of Christian videos and offers thousands of kid-friendly shows! Your child can choose from fun videos like VeggieTales, 123 Penguins!, Iesodo, Adventures in Odyssey, Clive and Ian, and much more! FBC Amarillo has already paid for your RightNow Media subscription!  Sign up here and we'll send you an invitation!




The American Academy of Pediatrics conducted a study on how the use of media can affect children and the importance of media education. They found that media education has the potential to reduce harmful media effects and can make young people less vulnerable to negative aspects of media exposure.

Here are a few of their findings:

--By the time today's young people reach 70 years of age, they will have spent the equivalent of 7 to 10 years of their lives watching television.

--On prime-time TV, more than 75% of shows contain sexual content, yet for only 14% of sexual incidents is any mention made of risks or responsibilities of sexual activity.

--Through popular music, the average teenager is exposed to nearly 85 explicit drug references each day.

(You can find Media Education parent tips on page 3!)
 
Video Games can 
expose your child to 
both inappropriate 
content and cyberbullying. 
Some video games 
(and even mobile game apps like Clash of Clans) allow players to chat while they play. Do you know 
who your child talks to 
on their video games? 
Like movies, video games are also rated based on content. Learning more about these rating standards can help you protect your child from inappropriate content. Check out this Parent's Guide to Game Ratings 
for a great explanation of what each video game rating means and what content is allowed.

 

You can set up your own
YouTube,
Netflix,
or iTunes
 account for your child to use. Within that account you can set parental controls to allow or block certain content.

Check out this 
1-minute devo about Technology 
& Relationships!


 Family Media Contracts are a great way of establishing ground rules for and starting conversations about your child's internet, phone, tablet, and/or social media usage. Check out the pre-made contracts below or come up with your own!


Media Agreements by Age:
 
How do you know if movies, video games,
music, TV shows, or apps are safe and
age-appropriate for your child?





"Plugged In" offers reviews, articles, and discussions to help families understand what's really in popular movies, television episodes, songs, 
and games.

"Christianity Today" offers family-friendly movie reviews to help you decide if the content is appropriate for your child.

"Common Sense Media" helps you find age-appropriate movies, books, apps, TV shows, video games, websites, and music. Browse reviews based on rating, your child's age, entertainment type, and more!
 
Before you post anything online
(social media, blog, etc.) or send a text message, ask yourself these 3 questions:

1) Am I posting something I'd be embarrassed for my family to see?
2) Am I posting 
because I'm hoping that someone will make me feel better about my choices?
 
3) Am I posting

to hurt someone?


We are here for you!
Please call or email us if you have any questions, 
would like additional resources, etc.


             Cliff Cary                                 Sarah Stevens
    Minister to Children        Associate Minister to Children    cliff@firstamarillo.org          sarah@firstamarillo.org

FBC Amarillo
1208 S. Tyler
(806) 373-2891
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