One in six, or 17% of children aged 3 to 7 have one or more disabilities. In 2025, Environmental Public Health tracking stated that “the cause of these disabilities is unknown.” Some children even have sensory issues, and the only way to keep them distracted is by using screens, even if this is during church service.
Some parents struggle to keep their children focused and quiet during service. It can be difficult, especially with kids who have disabilities like attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), speech or language impairments, and specific learning disabilities. Because of this, parents may offer their children a screen. If not, they may be a distraction to others.
Another common reason why children are using headphones or screens during church service is because of hyperacusis. Southwestern Hearing and Balance said in early 2026 that hyperacusis refers to a heightened sensitivity to sound in which normal environmental noises seem loud or even painful. When someone attends church service, their music can be painfully loud at times, and just imagine what children might go through with hyperacusis. Listening to loud music and preaching for over an hour may spark anxiety and pain in those with this issue.
To lots of families, church service is an important event for them. Approximately 3 in 10 people attend church service weekly, or once a week. However, children at a young age do not fully understand and grasp the pastor’s messages yet. So why should children have to suffer because of disabilities, anxiety, or hyperacusis, when they might not even understand the message yet? In these cases, screens may be the only option. Jenn Kamarunas, a mother who attends Transformation Church, mentions that some parents allow their young kids to use iPhones or iPads and service because there are many different Bible apps that are commonly used. So lots of times, when children are on screens in church they’re not even on social media.
Contrary to using screens in service, Relevant Children Ministry said in 2011 that kids should turn off screens during service, especially since kids are on screens a lot nowadays. 1 in 5, 20% of children aged 3 to 17 have a mental health condition. Kids using screens, rather than listening to what the pastor is preaching on, is not going to fix this problem. Lisa Scott is a pastor’s wife from Resurrection Anglican Church. She said on September 25, 2026 that “devices do not help kids engage in the service, they only act as a distraction.”
Screens have addictive content that is contributing to a mental health crisis among young people. A 2022 analysis found that weekly church attendance reduces the odds of subsequent depression by roughly 33%, implying many live saved. If children are giving a screen during church, especially with those who struggle with mental health, the chances of this getting better is nonexistent. Listening at church service is a common cure.
Another reason why children should not be given screens during church is because devices can draw kids hearts away from learning new things about the Lord. Rylie Foglesong, a daughter to parents who attend church every Sunday, said, “it is not good for kids to be on screens in church because it teaches them that church has no significance.” Learning about the Lord is important to many. Using a screen in church can cause a child to be distracted from a possible life-changing message. In early 2026, Catholic Times Columbus mentioned that some parents are trying to limit their kids screen time.
Lots of people with young children say that giving your child a screen during church is unhealthy. Keeping kids off screens for at least an hour shouldn’t be much of a problem. But 1 in six children have disabilities, and using screens may be the only option.
Written by Brielle Kamarunas
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