Parents warned against abandoning parenting role to phones 

Parents are duty-bound to start protecting children from ‘destructive’ technology if the future generation is to be saved, Lubaga Catholic Diocese chancellor, Fr Pius Male, has said. 

Fr Male, who presided over the New Year’s Day sermon on behalf of the Kampala Archbishop, Paul Ssemogerere, said much as technology is inevitable, parents must not relegate their parenting roles to technology.

“Be careful with technology. Do not let your children use technology devices without your guidance. Technology might be a disaster for the future generation,” Male said.

His preaching on the dangers of unguided technology especially for children is in line with Pope Francis’ message that technology should be used to promote peace and prosperity but not as a destruction for existing peace.

“The Pope urges us to use artificial intelligence (AI) to promote peace. As I speak now, people are using a phone to send a message. But what message are you sending? Are promoting peace or are destroying peace?” Male said.

The church said children cannot control themselves with technology, and it requires parents and every adult to ensure the young ones do not go astray at the hands of technology.

“Nowadays you ask a child twelve times two and he asks you to give him time so that he can get the answer using the phone. Children’s technological skills are beyond us. They know a lot of things we do not know. It is therefore important to guide them,” he added.

Prof Jane Mulema, chairperson of Interim Lubaga Cathedral National Foundation, re-echoed Fr Male and Pope Francis’ messages about technology, warning parents that they may regret in the future if they do not act now to protect their children from disastrous technology.

Fr Mayanja extolled Christians who have supported the church throughout 2023. According to the children’s department at the ministry, during the lockdown, many children were exposed to pornography and verbal abuse on phones.

They said that, while technology like phones had enabled learning to continue during the lockdown, many children were exposed to harmful content. They say if learners need to use electronic devices, parents should supervise their use.