I read an interesting article from Fuller Youth Institute today about texting, and the toll it is taking on our teens.Click the logo to the left, read the article and then comment on how you feel texting affects our teens. What kind of positive affects has it had on your family? Likewise, how do you feel it hurts your teenager or your family in general. I am interested to hear opinions on this one!
Here are 2 other things to consider:
ReplyDeleteAn experiment where teens went 10 days without using technology:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30805093/
a video of somebody from Samsung elaborating on the benefits texting has for a family (little hard to take as unbiased when texting is part of their business... :) :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-LupQtukdc
It is all about balance. I liked the MSN link and how the teen realized how out of control he was with the texting. It is a great tool for communication, and we set the example on using it. As parents we need to constantly monitor how our actions impact our kids. There are so many distractions (good as well as bad) it is hard to live in the moment and be present. Sometimes it all needs to stop so we can enjoy the time we have. That said, does anyone know if there is cell coverage up at Hickory Run for the camping trip this weeekend?
ReplyDeleteWell said Melissa.
ReplyDeleteWe live in a fast-paced technological world which provides us with many tools to use for God's glory. However there are times where those tools detract from our focus on God and our focus on family.
By the way, that is hilarious that after this blog post you were thinking of cell coverage :)
It would depend on the carrier - anyone have any experience with cell phones at Hickory Run?
Nice, Melissa :p
ReplyDeleteBut as you both said, it's a tool. And it's our job to show kids the balance. )Although I admit, the perks of a smartphone can be distracting!) Mark, I like the scripture you shared at the staff meeting, too. 2 John 1:12... face-to-face is always the best. It's strange thinking about how little of this technology there was when we were our teens age (and for me, that was only 10 years ago). I guess my concern is kids who grow up with it all from a young age, so we need to be extra careful in making sure they learn how/when to communicate face-to-face.