Do you know how hard it is to find a photo of Miley Cyrus where she’s covered up?

An interview that Miley Cyrus did with Fuse.tv in early February is starting to gain some attention.  When asked about the content of her then upcoming Bangerz tour, Cyrus said, “Even though parents probably won’t think this, I think my show is educational for kids. They’re going to be exposed to art most people don’t know about. People are taught to look at things so black and white, especially in small towns. I’m excited to take this tour to places where [art] like this wouldn’t be accepted, where kids wouldn’t learn about this different kind of art.”

Some examples of Cyrus’ “art” include suggestively gyrating while riding a giant hot dog in the air, simulated acts of oral sex on an actor wearing a Bill Clinton mask, flipping the bird while sprawled open-legged on the hood of a car wearing a marijuana leaf adorned leotard, and most recently planting a kiss on fellow pop singer Katy Perry who was in attendance at a concert.  Sounds like some high class “art.”  And over the weekend Cyrus’ parents Billy Ray and Tish watched approvingly as their daughter twerked it across the stage.

I’m not one to jump on the ‘bash Miley’ bandwagon too quickly because it is an easy ride to get onto. Cyrus has explicitly stated that she wants to educate (indoctrinate) your kids but the vast majority of parents reading this blog would never allow their kids to attend her concert because you know exactly what will be there.  But you still allow your kids unfiltered and unsupervised access to the internet?  What Cyrus does onstage would be rated ‘PG’ compared to what your kids can access in a second on any unsupervised connection.

The criticism of ‘sheltering’ is often asserted when someone suggests monitoring and filtering content that enters the home.  That is an accusation I would wear proudly as a parent.  Young, developing, and innocent children do need shelter from those who would seek to “educate” them and break them out of their “boring” lives.  I don’t let my 6 year-old use the chainsaw, drive my car, or shoot my gun because she isn’t ready for that type of responsibility and doesn’t grasp the full impact of her actions.  Kids aren’t ready for the power that an unfiltered connection to the world brings and deserve your best efforts to shelter them and educate them.

I wrote about managing media a lot in 2013 and have a few practical posts planned for the coming months.  If you’re a parent who is actively involved in the spiritual growth and development of your children this is something you can’t let slide.  Some free suggestions for filtering content can be found here.  And remember, Miley Cyrus wants to educate your kids…don’t let her!

Of course you have the ultimate responsibility to truly educate your children in the things that God considers true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).  It is my hope that you’ll spend some time studying the Bible with your kids this week >>> Dinnertime Devotionals 8