Socio-Cultural and Technological Challenges of Twenty-First Century Christian Parenting in the Social Upbringing of Children in Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the socio-cultural and technological challenges confronting twenty-first century Christian parenting in the social upbringing of children in Taraba State, Nigeria. Traditionally, the social upbringing of children has been viewed as a fundamental responsibility of parents within Christian families, where biblical teachings, moral discipline, and religious guidance serve as the foundation for shaping children’s attitudes, behaviour, and social relationships. The population of Christian parents in the state was estimated at 1,623,062, from which a random sample of 981 respondents was drawn. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire as the primary instrument. The findings revealed that socio-cultural and technological factors pose significant challenges to twenty-first century Christian parents in guiding the social upbringing of their children in Taraba State, Nigeria. These challenges manifest through increased exposure to social media, widespread smartphone usage, peer group influence, digital entertainment platforms, shifting cultural values, and the growing presence of secular ideologies. The study therefore concluded that Christian parents in the state are confronted with substantial socio-cultural and technological pressures in directing the social development of their children. Based on these findings, the study recommended that Christian parents should intentionally monitor and regulate their children’s engagement with social media, smartphones, and digital entertainment by establishing clear rules, supervising online activities, and holding discussions that relate digital exposure to Christian moral principles and values. It was further recommended that churches and Christian organizations organize periodic parenting seminars, workshops, and counselling programmes to equip parents with practical strategies for managing peer influence, changing cultural norms, and secular ideologies that shape children’s social and moral upbringing in the contemporary digital era. Key Words: Socio-Cultural, Technological Challenges, Twenty-First Century, Christian Parenting, Social Upbringing

Keywords

References