Australian company “Device Connections” is currently trying to get approval to sell software that allows parents to see every text message their child sends and receives.

Some of us might think that it would be a good thing to have such software available. It would help in ensuring that our kids are safe from paedophiles, bullies and others who might want to use the technology to harm them. At the same time, though others have rightly raised concerns about the privacy implications of the product.

What perspective should we take as Christians?

So often today, we have to address issues that previous generations just haven't had to deal with. It's only twenty years since I was a teenager, but that's long enough for me to be able to say I wouldn't have known what an SMS message was when I was that age. The pace of change is scary, isn't it? And so much of the new technology we have can be a great blessing, or a cause of difficulty, strife and drama.

I'm not going to say that I think that software should be allowed, or that it shouldn't. Like you, I know that no two kids are the same. One will be mature enough not to need the oversight, another won't. And, of course, part of growing up is learning to stand on your own two feet, learning how to handle bullies and temptations without your parents' help.

What can I say that will be helpful?

Kids, I can ask you to be patient with your parents. Even if you think they're being overly paranoid, or not trusting you enough, cut them some slack. They care for you, and want the best for you. They're trying to protect you from a world full of ungodly influences and temptations that you're often better off not even being aware of.

Parents, we need to be careful not to drive our kids away from us. Don't just say “No”. Say why, when appropriate. And on the other side of the tightwire, don't say “Yes” just because it's easier. Sometimes we have to keep a tighter reign – even install the software if it becomes available - for the good of our kids. And don't forget that the Lord is watching over them too.

Gracious Lord, help us as we seek to glorify you in when and how we use modern technology. Help families, especially, as parents and kids struggle with issues like mobile phones. For Your Name's sake.