Dear Friends and Families of PCS,
I read an insightful article by Dr. Kathy Koch, founder of Celebrate Kids, Inc., titled “Combatting Technology’s Lies.” While it offers one perspective, I believe her insights hold significant value. At PCS, we are fortunate not to face the constant challenge of managing technology use within our classrooms, yet I am aware that many of you encounter this challenge at home. Dr. Koch highlights five “lies” she believes children may internalize through frequent technology use.
Lie #1: "I am the center of my universe." Technology often gives children the impression that the world revolves around their needs and wants. They can access what they want, when they want, and connect with whomever they want, fostering a sense of immediate gratification.
Lie #2: "I deserve to be happy all the time." Technology promotes the idea that any obstacle to happiness can and should be removed. Children come to expect that life should always be easy, with challenges quickly overcome or avoided.
Lie #3: "I must have choices." Constant access to options—websites, apps, channels, and more—leads children to feel entitled to endless choices and that having options is their right.
Lie #4: "I am my own authority." Technology often lacks a clear standard for right and wrong, which can create confusion. Too often, children make decisions without guidance, lacking parental direction and understanding of values that shape wise choices.
Lie #5: "I don’t need teachers; I have information." Children can access vast amounts of information instantly, leading some to question the value of teachers. Yet teachers offer something irreplaceable: the ability to help children sift, evaluate, and make sense of information to determine what is accurate, complete, biblically sound, and healthy.
Technology is woven into our children's daily lives in countless ways, and as they grow, their screen time only increases. But does this impact their self-perception and view of the world? Absolutely! I’m not sure we take enough time to reflect on just how deeply it does shape their thinking.
In His Service,
Susan Oweis
