We all know that social media has pros and cons. You can use it to connect, but it can also bring gossip, arguments, exclusion, and a slew of other negative things. As parents, you can help your teens navigate online drama by pointing them to Christ and His example of how to respond when discourse inevitably arises. Here are just a few tips.
- Wait…
When emotions are high, it is easy to fire back with an angry comment or message, but sometimes the wisest response is no response at all. While it sounds simple, teens can easily forget that they don’t always need to respond to drama. If they do choose to respond, encourage your teen to stop and pray before replying. Proverbs 15:1 reminds us that “a gentle answer turns away wrath.” Pausing to pray can help prevent your teen from saying something they might regret later on. - Choose Grace
Online conversations can quickly become cruel because people say things they would never say face-to-face. Remind your teen that being a Christian means treating others with kindness, even when they are being unkind. In Colossians 4:6, we read “Let your conversation be always full of grace,” so encourage them to forgive and try to avoid gossip. They can even choose to stand up when others are being targeted. They have the power to change the narrative to something grace-filled. - It’s Okay to Step Away
Not every conflict needs to be solved online. If a conversation becomes toxic, encourage your teen to block the account or step away from the platform altogether. We see a great reminder of this in Proverbs 22:3: “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” If they experience harassment, make sure they know they can come to you for help. Protecting their peace is not weakness; it can be a wise and healthy choice. No amount of online connection is worth their mental health.
Ultimately, your teen needs to know that their identity is not determined by likes, comments, followers, or what others say about them. Their worth comes from God. By teaching them to respond in these ways and more, we can help them reflect Christ even amid online drama.
Josh Reigard
Director of Programming and Design