If there’s one thing that everyone — regardless of age, religion and politics — can agree on, it’s that cell phones have overtaken our lives.
That’s why Nebraska’s students, parents and teachers welcomed legislation banning cell phones in public schools. The bipartisan and nearly unanimously passed legislation aims to eliminate the distractions of cell phones in classrooms, which 72 percent of high school teachers nationwide say is a major problem. Many parents are concerned about how digital access affects their kids’ education, mental health and socialization.
However, research by the University of South Florida indicates that technology can positively affect lives.
According to the study, teens with greater social media use experience higher levels of depression, anxiety and sleep disruption. It also revealed that kids with smartphones have lower levels of depression and anxiety, and they are actually more likely to spend time in person with friends. This is encouraging because it reminds us that it’s not the devices that are problematic but whether or not people use them in healthy, productive ways.
Cell phones will be a significant part of the experience for the group of Nebraska teens I’ll be taking on a trip this summer. Not only will they help us stay in touch with parents and coordinate travel, but the five-day trip will use a mobile app to manage scheduled sessions, engagement activities and community service opportunities.
However, the in-person participation value is a great illustration of how livestreams and videos can’t replace giving high fives, sharing stories and worshipping together.
Technology can’t replace a high five nor can handshakes reach across state lines in the way that phones can. However, mobile messaging and social media apps will help turn new connections into lifelong friendships. The ability to stay in touch will lead to future roommates when the kids enroll in the same college.
If facing a crisis at any hour, the kids can get support and guidance with a tap or a phone call on their smartphone.
Cellphones can zap away our attention from worthy, wholesome pursuits.
Nebraska’s new legislation addresses some of those challenges and negative effects on our youth. Whether we’re parents, teens, teachers or even pastors, it’s important to understand how to use technology to help build better relationships, care for others, and strengthen our faith.
