Teaching Children About God in a Digital Age

By Kate Sali

The digital age has reshaped the way children learn, communicate, and perceive the world. Screens have become their classrooms, playgrounds, and libraries, offering endless streams of information at the touch of a button. While this era presents remarkable opportunities for learning, it also poses a profound challenge to parents, teachers, and faith communities: how do we teach children about God in a world where digital voices are loud, constant, and often conflicting?

At the heart of Christian teaching is the call found in Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” This instruction remains timeless, even as the tools of training evolve. Teaching children about God today does not mean withdrawing them from technology, but guiding them to encounter God meaningfully within and beyond it.

One helpful analogy is to view digital technology as a river. A river can nourish crops and sustain life, but without proper channels, it can flood and destroy. In the same way, digital media can enrich a child’s understanding of God through Bible apps, animated Bible stories, worship music, and online sermons designed for young minds. Yet, without guidance, the same tools can overwhelm children with values that contradict biblical truth. Scripture reminds us in Deuteronomy 6:6–7 to teach God’s commandments diligently to our children—when we sit at home, walk along the road, lie down, and rise up. In today’s context, this includes moments when children are online.

Jesus Himself used relatable, everyday illustrations—seeds, lamps, sheep, and coins—to reveal deep spiritual truths. Teaching children about God in a digital age should follow this model. For example, just as a smartphone needs regular charging to function, children need consistent spiritual “charging” through prayer, Scripture, and fellowship. Without this, their faith weakens, no matter how advanced their digital skills may be. Matthew 4:4 reminds us that “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”

This relates well to algorithms. Digital platforms are designed to shape what children see based on what they engage with. Similarly, what children consistently consume spiritually shapes their hearts and minds. Romans 12:2 urges believers not to be conformed to the patterns of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of the mind. Parents and educators must therefore be intentional about curating both digital and spiritual content, helping children discern truth from falsehood and wisdom from noise.

Importantly, teaching children about God is not only about instruction but also imitation. Children learn faith by observing it lived out authentically. In a world where online personas are often curated and filtered, children need to see genuine faith expressed through kindness, integrity, forgiveness, and humility. 1 Corinthians 11:1 encourages believers to imitate Christ, and children are more likely to follow God when they see Christ reflected in the lives of trusted adults.

Finally, community remains essential. Digital connections can never fully replace the embodied experience of worship, fellowship, and service. Just as a plant may survive temporarily in water, it flourishes best when rooted in soil. Hebrews 10:25 calls believers not to neglect meeting together, reminding us that faith is nurtured in shared spaces where children can ask questions, serve others, and experience God’s love in action.

Teaching children about God in a digital age requires wisdom, creativity, and intentionality. Technology itself is neither enemy nor saviour; it is a tool. When anchored in Scripture, modeled through authentic living, and supported by loving community, children can learn to navigate the digital world with faith-filled hearts. As Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me” (Matthew 19:14). Even in a digital age, the invitation remains the same—our task is to guide them wisely toward Him.