Taming Technology in the Home
Technology can enable us to be a force for good in the world, to do things more efficiently, and to easily connect with loved ones on a daily basis, all in ways our families could never do in the past.
But sometimes it can also distract us from being present in our families.
President 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.”1
Children, youth and adults can work together and help each other to move forward in their appropriate use of the technology.
Gospel Solutions for Families is a collection of videos focusing on offering practical, relevant tips for raising children in faith. Consider watching with your family or friends ‘Taming Technology in the Home’ (30 min) and then sharing your experiences and discussing ways of helping one another. Featuring Heather Johnson, a family and relationship coach and mother of six, it offers suggestions for families learning how to get the most out of technology and how to avoid becoming slaves to its distracting nature. This can be found in the Media Library as well as on the “Gospel Media” app.
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:
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Be in tune with spiritual promptings.
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Be focused on your missionary purpose.
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Be disciplined.
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Be one.
It also warns what to do if we are feeling vulnerable or susceptible:
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Be aware and acknowledge.
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Choose to act.
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Learn and improve.
This is available in the Gospel Library app, under “Handbooks and Callings”, and “Mission Callings”.
This article is part of the ‘Gospel Technology’ series which focuses on the use of technology in our gospel-oriented lives.
To find all the material go to https://uk.churchofjesuschrist.org/gospel-technology.