From reshaped shoulders and necks, to diminished productivity and damaged relationships, an already addicted-to-devices generation now brought-down-by-a-pandemic has become even more enslaved to screens. Technology remains a necessity, and even a gift. But since the increased need for it comes with a huge price, managing technology well is more important than ever.

Giving Others Autonomy

Rather than dictating how your loved ones use their phones, invite them to take ownership by creating their own boundaries and setting up accountability of their choice. Device management is a skill for all to hone and maintain. Let it be an on-going conversation, that includes self-disclosure over the challenges you face when it comes to your screen time as well.

When You Need To Intervene

When someone’s technology-use concerns you, pray first. Ask God for wisdom and timing to approach your loved one about a touchy topic. Care for their heart as you confront them.

It isn’t helpful to wish technology away; and expressing such views only adds more stress onto those who rely on it for school, work, and social plans.

When students are complaining to you, or showing signs of increased anxiety and depression due to all the increases in online learning, be sensitive to big emotions as you brainstorm ideas together to cope.

When Things Can Be Done Another Way

Using an appealing agenda book or any sort of paper system in place of a phone calendar might seem antiquated and inefficient, but done for the valid purpose of one less thing to have on your phone makes it a smart, healthy choice.

Think of other ways you currently use your phone or computer that can find function elsewhere. Maybe use a clock as an alarm in your bedroom and find a handy desk timer to help you stay on track. Get creative and you’ll find you don’t have to be quite so dependent on your devices. Again, it might be less progressive, but it’s for the care of your soul which is more important.

Develop life-giving relationships and schedule time for true rest (click here for suggestions for how to do that) so that you have rich blessings away from screen time.

Find Fun Challenges

Even though engaging with social media, photos, podcasts, and music on your phone isn’t required the way online meetings and courses are, these pleasures and hobbies are a common way of life that add more technology. You can, however, “compete” with yourself and others to reach certain goals for mental well-being. The sky’s the limit, but some examples include:

• Delete social media apps once per month
• Unfollow certain accounts that cause you to stress or compare yourself to others
• Take a phone-free afternoon once a week
• Limit the number of selfies you take
• Decide not to take any cell-phone photos when connecting with God in nature
• Declare phone-free coffee and lunch dates with friends
• Examine how technology has robbed you of thoughtful social graces and communication and listening skills, and practice replacing areas of weakness with godliness and Biblical virtues

Receive His Strength

Don’t try to adapt an entire lifestyle in your own strength. Temptations are too strong. Depend on God and accountability, and see this as a spiritual growth opportunity.

It is God who arms you with strength and makes your way perfect. (Ps. 18:32)

Confess past bad behaviors when it comes to phone and screen choices, make amends in relationships you’ve neglected because of your time online, and learn to live by new habits.

“…the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, are not of the Father, but of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” (1 Jn. 2:17)

Go First

Judge less what others are doing with technology and master it for yourself first.

Don’t fret over being the only one making hard choices when it comes to technology; instead challenge your friends to keep up with you.

Youth aren’t the only ones sinning with their phones. Parents and grandparents are equally tempted to be on their phones neglecting relationships and children, using devices to entertain their children in their place, and being distracted from higher purposes. No one’s exempt from needing to keep technology under control.

The more self-aware and determined you are to be skilled with technology usage, the healthier and freer you will be.

“Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.” (Prov. 25:28)