Navigating the World of Smartphones as a Christian Teen
As I reflect on my grandmother’s fascination with my iPhone, I realize that the world has undergone a significant shift since her time. The typewriter has given way to text messages, and landlines have become lifelines to the world at large. For my generation, this is just the way things are. However, I’ve come to understand that with great freedom comes great responsibility.
The Dangers of Mindless Smartphone Use
Smartphones invite us to use them mindlessly, purposelessly, to alleviate boredom or provide shallow entertainment. It’s easy to get caught up in scrolling through apps as a form of procrastination or when there’s nothing better to do. But as Christians, we need to be mindful of how we use our devices. We need to submit our lives, including our smartphones, to the Lord Jesus.
Setting a Good Example
As parents, it’s essential to model healthy smartphone habits for your teens. They’re watching how you interact with technology, and your habits will set the expectations for the rest of the household. It’s crucial to use your phone for a purpose, not just because you’re bored. Show your teens how to avoid the trap of comparison and turning their lives into a product for “likes” on Instagram.
Teaching Teens to Use Smartphones Wisely
First, talk to your teens about the importance of using their smartphones wisely. Provide a Christ-centered paradigm for smartphone use, and teach them to pick up their phones for a purpose. Help them pursue deep, Christ-centered relationships that are enhanced, not ruled, by faceless internet communication.
Second, help your teens set sensible boundaries. Involve them in the discussion, and help them learn how to set their own boundaries. This might include not using phones during family time, not sleeping with them, or allowing use only during certain times of day.
Using Smartphones for Good
Smartphones can be a helpful, edifying, and uplifting addition to the Christian life. Teach your teens how to use their phones for good, and point them to uses that will help them thrive in Bible study, Scripture memory, fellowship, and other areas of life. Even social media can be used to maintain connections with believing friends who live far away or with family members who are away from home.
Conclusion
Teens don’t just need more productivity or better time-management skills. They need to submit their lives, including their smartphones, to the Lord Jesus. As parents, it’s essential to teach your teens practical methods for taking control of their smartphones and using them for good. Point them to Christ, and teach them to seek Him first. By doing so, they’ll be able to navigate the world of smartphones wisely and use their devices to glorify God.
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