Technology can enable us to be forces for good in the world, to do things more efficiently and to easily connect with loved ones on a daily basis, in ways our families could never do in the past.
But sometimes it can also distract us from being ‘present’ in our families.
M. Russell Ballard very wisely noted the following:
'Handheld devices, such as smartphones, are a blessing, but they can also distract us from hearing the ‘still, small voice’ [of the Spirit]. They need to be our servants, not our masters.”
M. Russell Ballard
Children, youth and adults can work together and help each other to move forward in their appropriate use of the technology.
Heather Johnson, a family and relationship coach and mother of six, offers suggestions for families learning how to get the most out of technology and how to avoid becoming slaves to its distracting nature.
Gospel Solutions for Families focuses on offering practical, relevant tips for raising children in faith.
Consider watching with your family or friends Taming Technology in the Home (30min) and then sharing your experiences and discussing ways of helping one another.
The Church booklet Safeguards for Using Technology is used to train missionaries on the appropriate use of technology. Although written specifically for missionaries, this booklet has great ideas for teaching children, youth, and adults.
It covers the following 'Safeguard' areas
- Be in Tune with Spiritual Promptings
- Be Focused on Your Missionary Purpose
- Be Disciplined
- Be One
and the following areas are what to do if we feeling vulnerable or susceptible
- Be Aware and Acknowledge
- Choose to Act
- Learn and Improve
This is available in the Gospel Library app or here
This article is part of the 'Gospel Technology' series which focus on the use of technology in our gospel-oriented lives. For more articles click here.
For more episodes of 'Gospel Solutions for Families' click here. Several episodes are also available to watch on YouTube.