Protecting our Children’s Hearts & Minds
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I’m reaching out today with love and concern for our students. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been hearing conversations among our teens about difficult things they’ve seen online—videos and images of real violence, tragedy, and loss of life. Sadly, these things are hard to avoid in today’s digital world, and often our kids come across them without warning or context.
As parents, that can feel overwhelming. We know we can’t shield our children from every hard reality in this broken world. But we can walk with them, guide them, and create safe places for them to process what they see.
The Reality We Face
Social media spreads disturbing content quickly. Even the most careful filters can’t catch everything. Whether our kids stumble across it or hear about it from friends, the impact is real. And research shows that many children have already been exposed to thousands of violent images and videos before they’re even out of middle school.
This isn’t meant to cause fear—it’s a reminder that our involvement and guidance matter more than ever.
What Scripture Teaches Us
God’s Word gives us direction for times like these:
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23)
“…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right…think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
These verses remind us not only to guide our children toward discernment, but also that when they (and we) encounter brokenness and pain in this world, we can bring our emotions honestly before God. He meets us there with His love and healing presence.
Practical Ways We Can Help
Keep the Conversation Open
Ask: “Have you seen anything online lately that made you feel upset, confused, or scared?”
Reassure them: “If you ever come across something disturbing, you can always talk to me.”
Stay curious: “What kinds of things are your friends sharing online?”
Monitor with Love
Check in on apps and platforms they use—not to snoop, but to protect.
Use filters or parental controls where appropriate, explaining why.
Keep devices in common areas when possible.
Process Together
If your child has already seen something graphic:
Listen first—ask how it made them feel.
Normalize their emotions.
Offer age-appropriate context.
Pray together, remembering that God is present and sovereign.
Build Resilience
Talk about the difference between real-life violence and entertainment.
Encourage compassion rather than curiosity when tragedy happens.
Guide them toward practical, age-appropriate ways to respond—prayer, service, kindness.
A Helpful Resource
Focus on the Family has an excellent article called “Talking to Kids About Mass Violence.” It’s full of biblical, practical advice for conversations like these: focusonthefamily.com/parenting/talking-to-kids-about-mass-violence
Moving Forward in Faith
These issues are heavy, but we serve a God who is never shaken by the darkness in our world. He has equipped us as parents and as a church family to walk in wisdom and to point our children to His peace.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
Together, let’s commit to:
Pray daily for our children’s protection and discernment.
Stay lovingly engaged in their digital lives.
Create homes where hard conversations can happen.
Keep pointing our kids to the hope and healing found in Jesus Christ.
You’re Not Alone
I want you to know—you don’t have to figure this out on your own. I’m here to walk with you and your family. If you’d like to talk through how to have these conversations, need resources, or just want someone to pray with you, please reach out. You can email me at nelson@bpri.church or or BP Kids director, Ellen at ellen@bpri.church.
I’m praying for you and your family this week. May God strengthen you as you shepherd the precious hearts He has entrusted to you.
With love in Christ,
Nelson Guimaraes
Youth Ministry Director
“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17)
