4 Recommendations to Implement Digital Boundaries

Have you ever wondered how to navigate this digital age as homeschool parents? It can feel very hard to set screen time boundaries with love and care. Well, I have some supportive information for you! 

Recently, I had a wonderful conversation with Pastor Phillip Telfer. Pastor Telfer is a husband, father to four children, and former homeschooling dad. He and his wife have been married for 35 years and homeschooled all their children from kindergarten until graduation. 

As the founder of Media Talk 101, Pastor Telfer is also a media expert. Through this nonprofit, he advises families on how to handle devices within their homes. His wisdom was meaningful and shared with much love. I could see his intentionality and care for all people through his communication. He approaches this subject from a biblical view. On a personal note, he fasted from media at age 17, and this transformed his life. This opened his eyes to the need to practice digital discernment. 

Therefore, Pastor Telfer provided several ways parents can practice healthy digital boundaries at home. 

• Set intentional & replacement boundaries. 
• Practice the GRACE method.
• Use Pastor Telfer’s resources. 
• Lead by example. 

Digital Boundaries 101

First, set intentional boundaries around screens in your home. Pastor Telfer recommends setting boundaries and then replacing screen time with something else. For instance, he and his family built a woodworking business with this free time. Think about some ways you can intentionally replace screen time, which will best suit your family. 

Next, practice the GRACE Method. 

G = Guardrails: Put in place monitoring or blocking tools.

R = Rules: Set reasonable rules. 

A = Awareness: Cultivate awareness as to why these rules are important and necessary. 

C = Conversations: Communicate on digital topics at age-appropriate levels. 

E = Escape Routes: Establish a strong relationship so your child can come to you if they experience the dark side of the internet. 

Continuing, use Pastor Telfer’s resources to support your family. Check out Media Talk 101 and his free 19-lesson video course for parents and teens called Screen Time 101. Also, you can purchase his book, Help! The Smartphone Ate My Family, on Amazon or his website. Attend the Christian Worldview Film Festival to discover Christian perspectives on media. 

Finally, demonstrate the importance of digital boundaries as a parent. Show your children how you set your own boundaries. Engage in media together to create intentionality and purpose. Discuss the movies and shows you watch together. Have open conversations with your older children about media and its dark side. As a family, explore the world together and replace screen time with real-world experiences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Pastor Telfer recommended many steps that can certainly benefit families. In this digital age, we must use discernment and wisdom, especially when our children access screens. Take time to evaluate how you can implement these ideas into your family. You can even use his resources in your homeschooling routine (if you feel your child is ready). Demonstrating and teaching your children to develop healthy screen time habits will benefit them forever. 

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- NxtEra

Written by Bethany (@thebookwormgirl_bethany)

Helpful Links: 

Instagram: Instagram

Website: Phillip Telfer | Pastor, Author, & Musician

Facebook: Facebook

X: Phillip Telfer (@PhillipTelfer) / X

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MediaTalk101

LinkedIn: Phillip Telfer | LinkedIn

Spotify: Phillip Telfer | Spotify

Media Talk Website: Media Talk 101 | Biblical Help for a Media Saturated Society

Screen Time 101 Website: Screen Time 101 – An Online Course to Find Balance and Regain Focus