Helping Kids Pursue More Than TikTok Knowledge to Pursue Wisdom
We live in an age where answers are everywhere. A quick Google search or scroll on TikTok can make kids feel like experts overnight. But is it really wisdom or just noise dressed up as knowledge?
In a recent Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy addressed that exact concern:
“To teach them to want to know more and to not be satisfied with the first hit of the search engine is critically important. These are the kids that will go further because they know it’s worth seeking more than just an answer to a question, but the understanding of where that answer comes from.”
It’s not enough for our kids to know something. They need to understand why it’s true, where it comes from, and how it lines up with God’s Word.
The Problem: Shallow Knowledge, Big Risks
Dr. Kathy pointed to a startling survey from Edelman:
They found that 45% of people who responded to the survey ignore advice from trained medical professionals… 38% said they rejected doctor’s advice in favor of information they found on social media from their friends.
Think about that. Almost half of young adults would rather trust a TikTok influencer than a doctor. Why? Because they’ve learned that credible knowledge is personal, quick, and relatable. But it can also be misleading and dangerous.
Discernment Through Scripture
Dr. Kathy’s answer? Anchor everything in God’s Word.
“We have to teach them to compare what they’re learning… against God’s Word, right? The truth of God’s Word is always the filter. If we have a biblical worldview… that means the lens through which we look at everything would be Scripture.”
She reminded parents of practical discernment tools too: checking copyright dates, asking if the source is credible, even looking into where a Christian college’s faculty earned their degrees. These details teach kids that not every light is going to guide them to a good, true, and beautiful destination.
What Flourishing Really Looks Like
This isn’t just about information; it’s about identity and flourishing. Dr. Kathy said:
“Flourishing happens when we know who we are and we know what we want out of life… John 10:10 states that Jesus came that we would have an abundant life… From the Celebrate Kids standpoint, I would say that when our needs are met in Christ and not in ourselves, we will flourish.”
Social media might define flourishing as perfect abs or endless energy. The culture might highlight it with a 401k statement or confident mental health. God defines it as abundant life in Him, rooted in truth, not trends or feelings.
How Parents Can Guide Kids Toward Deeper Wisdom
Model it – Talk out loud about why you reject certain ideas. Show your kids how you line up decisions with Scripture.
Slow down – Teach them that “sponsored” links aren’t always the best. Dig deeper than page one of search results.
Ask why – Remind kids that why they want to know something matters as much as the “what.” Is it for comparison, or to know, serve, and relate to God and others?
Reframe flourishing – Help them see that real abundance isn’t followers, likes, or even happiness. It’s life with Christ.
Engaging Kids Through the 8 Great Smarts
Word Smart – Read Proverbs together and underline verses about wisdom. Talk about how words guide choices.
Logic Smart – Compare a TikTok “health hack” with a doctor’s recommendation. Which one holds up logically?
Picture Smart – Draw two paths: one full of shortcuts (surface knowledge), the other with depth (wisdom). Which leads to life?
Music Smart – Create a family playlist with songs about truth, perseverance, and God’s wisdom.
Body Smart – Try out a trendy exercise or recipe, then research the science behind it. Discuss whether it’s safe or wise.
Nature Smart – Show how roots anchor a tree. Connect it to why kids need deep understanding, not shallow facts.
People Smart – Role-play conversations where they evaluate if advice is trustworthy.
Self Smart – Ask them to reflect: “How do I decide who to trust with advice? How does God’s Word guide me?”
Remember, information is everywhere. Wisdom is rare. And our kids will only learn to tell the difference if we guide them to seek understanding beyond surface knowledge.
As Dr. Kathy said:
“Wisdom is the application of truth. Wisdom is putting knowledge into action. We have to teach them to want to do that… that having a big head is not from the Lord. But applying the truth so that we influence culture and change people is absolutely from the Lord.”
Parents, let’s help our kids hunger not just for answers, but for wisdom that leads to flourishing in Christ.