At the D6 Asia Conference 2026, parenting expert Dr. Scott Turansky urged Christian parents to take a more intentional and heart-centered approach to managing children’s screen time, warning that unchecked dependence on electronics can shape a child’s character, emotional health and spiritual growth.
Turansky spoke on May 15 during a session titled “A Heart-Based Approach to Parenting: Managing Screen Time Without Losing Your Mind,” where he addressed the growing challenge of electronics addiction among children and teenagers.
The session was part of the broader mission of the D6 Family Ministry, a movement inspired by Deuteronomy 6 that seeks to connect church and home while equipping families and church leaders to disciple the next generation together.
The annual D6 Asia online conference brings together pastors, ministry leaders and families across the region to strengthen intergenerational discipleship and provide practical tools for nurturing faith at home.
Turansky described electronics addiction as a condition in which children become anxious when separated from devices for even short periods of time.
“Moments of quiet don’t result in peace, but generate anxiety to get back to devices,” he said.
He pointed to online gaming, social media and constant digital stimulation as major contributors to the problem, noting that many children feel pressured to stay connected continuously. He also observed similar behaviors among adults.
“We see adults stopped at a red light,” Turansky said. “They pull out their phones and start scrolling.”
Throughout the session, Turansky emphasized that parents must remain the “architects” of family life rather than allowing children or devices to control the household rhythm.
“Parents are the architect of the family calendar, schedule and activity options,” he said.
He acknowledged that managing electronics is difficult for many parents because it requires consistency, emotional energy and conflict management. Some parents, he said, avoid addressing screen-related issues because children often react with anger or resistance.
Turansky grounded much of his teaching in Scripture, referencing passages including 1 Corinthians 6:12, 1 Corinthians 15:33 and Titus 2:12 to encourage parents to avoid being “mastered” by technology and to teach children self-control.
“It teaches us to say no,” he said, referring to the gospel message in Titus.
Rather than focusing only on restriction, Turansky encouraged parents to pursue balance in their children’s lives. He said healthy development includes physical activity, face-to-face interaction, spiritual growth, school responsibilities and family participation.
He also urged parents to operate from convictions rather than personal preferences.
“It’s one thing to say, ‘I wish my kids wouldn’t sleep with their phones,’” Turansky said. “It’s another thing to say, ‘I believe sleep is important, so we’re parking the phone at 9 p.m.’”
The speaker encouraged parents to remain firm without becoming harsh and warned against taking children’s emotional reactions personally.
“Kids are going to say, ‘You’re the worst parent in the world,’” he said. “But we’re making decisions based on convictions.”
Turansky also recommended several practical strategies for families, including using parental controls, keeping devices in common areas, establishing technology-free family times, limiting screen access through structured schedules, and teaching children accountability and self-control. One strategy he highlighted involved transferring responsibility to children by requiring them to monitor and manage their own gaming schedules rather than relying solely on parental reminders. One strategy he highlighted involved transferring responsibility to children by requiring them to monitor and manage their own gaming schedules rather than relying solely on parental reminders.
He said the goal is not simply behavior modification but character development.
“We can use electronics to build character,” Turansky said, pointing to qualities such as integrity, obedience, unselfishness and the ability to manage boredom.
A central theme throughout the session was the danger of elevating pleasure above spiritual maturity.
“When pleasure becomes your god, addiction is the result,” he said.
Turansky challenged parents to reconsider common cultural messages that prioritize entertainment and happiness as life’s primary goals.
Instead of telling children to “have fun,” he suggested parents emphasize values such as responsibility, wisdom and caring for others.
The session concluded with an encouragement for parents to view screen management as part of discipleship rather than merely rule enforcement.
“Children need parents who are going to step in and help provide self-control,” Turansky said.
He urged families and churches to work together in forming healthy digital habits rooted in biblical values, character formation and spiritual growth — goals that align closely with the mission of the D6 Family Ministry to strengthen faith across generations.
