I read that the average American checks their smartphone 144 times a day. If this is true, it means the average person checks their phone every 6 to 10 minutes. While some may not recognize an addiction with their phone, too much interaction with their phone interferes with daily life, mental health, and social interactions. The preoccupation with technology is robbing people of genuine human connections and awareness of the present moment. It is also feeding the epidemic of depression, loneliness, and anxiety in our society.
Phones and technology aren’t going away. It’s up to us to help our children learn how to navigate healthy boundaries. Technology should serve us, not rule us.
1 Corinthians 6:12 says, “‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say, but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’ – but I will not be mastered by anything.”
When we allow technology to master us or control us, it’s outside of God’s loving design for us. He wants our minds to be free from addictions and distractions that keep us from spending time with Him and His creation. He wants us to listen to Him above all the noise of the world. Because what He has to say is true, loving, kind, and purposeful.
Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-His good, pleasing, and perfect will.”
If your child is struggling with an addiction in this area, here are a few tips you can put into place today to help them:
- Talk about the downfalls of addiction
- Be the example your children need to see by putting your phone down when you’re together
- Set boundaries of when and where phones can be used
- Create digital breaks during the day together, like mealtimes and bedtimes
- Prioritize real-life interactions with friends and family
- Challenge each other to a tech-free day once a week or more
- Seek professional help if needed
Arianna Eckart
Director of NTS Camp
Photo by Johnny Cohen on Unsplash