Left to their own devices
Help your children stay close to God while navigating the digital world
Smartphones, social media, gaming, and constant connectivity - today's digital landscape can feel overwhelming for parents, youth leaders, and church workers. How can we guide children and young people to manage technology wisely, without losing sight of their faith, relationships, and mental wellbeing?
Elim's special livestream event, Left to Their Own Devices, tackles exactly these critical questions. Drawing on powerful insights from her bestselling book, Katharine Hill of Care for the Family will share practical and inspiring guidance to equip adults supporting the next generation.
Tim Alford, National Director of Limitless, emphasises how vital this topic is: “There is no more prescient conversation for Christians today than what it means to follow Jesus in the digital age. It is rife with challenges (pornography, digital addiction, screen time, targeted marketing!), rich with opportunity (live-streaming, community enhancing, digital evangelism!), and rapidly evolving (V.R., A.I.!). As a parent, leader, and youth worker, it feels impossible to keep up! And that’s why we need luminaries like Katharine Hill, imparting both knowledge and wisdom to help us apprentice under Jesus in an online world.”
Join Katharine online as she discusses how technology can be enjoyed healthily without becoming addictive or distracting. She'll cover topics like the true impact of social media on mental and spiritual health, managing screen time effectively, and how to model positive digital habits in your own life.
Mike de Vetter, Associate Pastor at Rediscover Church and father of three, shares his experience: “As a dad myself, I know how real the challenge is—screens are part of our kids' and their friends' world. I heard Katharine speak earlier this year, and it gave me hope and practical help. It showed me how we can model healthy habits, set loving boundaries, and point our children back to Jesus in a noisy, click-driven world.”
During this practical and interactive workshop, participants will explore key strategies such as creating tech-free zones at home, adopting the principle of 'Scripture before screens', and encouraging positive online interactions. You'll learn how to set effective boundaries, foster open dialogue about online experiences, and help young people place technology in its appropriate place—as a tool to enrich rather than define their lives.
Whether you're a parent anxious about your children's online habits or a youth leader seeking resources to support teens effectively, this event promises valuable insights and actionable steps. Bring your questions and leave inspired, equipped, and ready to help young people confidently navigate their digital worlds while staying deeply connected to God.
Find out more at elim.org.uk/digital
Watch Left to Their Own Devices LIVE online on Wednesday 9 July at 2pm via the Elim YouTube Channel, or catch it on demand later. Subscribe and set notifications at elim.org.uk/youtube. The event will also be available on Elim’s Facebook page for 30 days after airing.