Adult Lesson: Training Lesson for Parents on Technology
I. Introduction
As parents, we want the best for our children, and that includes teaching them how to safely navigate the digital world. In this lesson, we will discuss how we can help children take charge of their technology use, so it doesn’t control them. We will learn practical methods and techniques that can assist in guiding children to use technology intentionally and positively.
II. The Benefits and Costs of Technology
Benefit
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The Church uses technology to communicate globally and spread the gospel.
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Technology gives us access to the world’s collective knowledge and fits right in our pocket.
Costs
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The cost of technology is our time and attention, or worse, squandering opportunity and blessings.
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If we are not careful, we can become sidetracked by something not worth your attention, or that even diverts us from our covenants and values.
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Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
III. Challenges of Technology
Researchers, science, and design have learned techniques of helping people pay attention for longer amounts of time and feeling satisfied. It’s similar to the food industry. Science has helped businesses engineer food to reach the “bliss point,” or the stage when food tastes most pleasurable. Is it your fault that you always seem to want just one more?
Well, yes … and no. Technology has its own “bliss point,” and it guides our emotions and body chemicals to sustain it. Are you broken if you find it hard to stop using technology? Are you just spiritually weak? No. Enjoying using technology is totally normal, but controlling our use of technology can be a legitimate struggle. You’re up against science, brain chemicals, and competitive industries vying for our attention—and it’s not a fair fight.
It is important to recognize that adults can struggle with technology just as much as kids. We can also get sucked into the “bliss point” of technology and lose track of time, just like youth and children do.
The “Bliss Point” of Technology
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Technology is a tool that gives us access to the world’s collective knowledge and can be used for good.
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The more attention we give to technology, the more technology creators are compensated.
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Researchers and designers use techniques to keep us engaged and satisfied with technology, similar to the food industry’s “bliss point.”
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Heavenly Father and our Savior understand our struggles with technology and will strengthen us.
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And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Overcoming the “Bliss Point”
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Recognize that technology has its own “bliss point” that guides our emotions and body chemicals.
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It’s normal to struggle with technology. We’re up against science, brain chemicals, and competitive industries vying for our attention.
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We can take control of our technology by asking ourselves purposeful questions, making a plan, and pausing when necessary.
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Being mindful of the content we consume and creating device-free areas in our homes can also help us overcome the “bliss point” of technology.
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Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
As parents, we can set an example for our children by being mindful of our own technology use. Recognizing where limits on using technology are needed and taking steps to overcome the temptation to over-use or abuse it can create a healthy relationship with technology for ourselves and our families. Remember, we control our technology, it doesn’t control us.
IV. Take Charge of Technology
A. Purpose: Intentionally using technology to learn and create.
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And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.
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Ask yourself questions like “Why am I using my device right now?” and “Do I feel good about what I’m doing?”
Practical suggestions for intentionally using technology include sending a positive message, listening to peaceful music, and creating your own content. What other uses can you identify?
B. Plan: Planning ahead for better choices.
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Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.
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Ask yourself questions like “What is my plan for using my device?” and “What sign am I showing God with how I use my time?”
Practical suggestions for planning ahead for better choices include giving yourself a daily limit for screen time, following and contacting only close family and friends, having device-free areas at home, setting up a family charging station, and using a filter. What other strategies can help you and your children make better choices regarding technology use?
C. Pause: Taking a break when needed.
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Be still, and know that I am God.
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Ask yourself questions like “Am I avoiding content I know is not right or purposeful?” and “Did I feel the Spirit leave?”
Practical suggestions for providing a break from technology include putting your device down and stepping away, praying for strength, and talking to someone. How can your family take a break from technology when needed?
V. Group Discussion
Now that we’ve talked about some practical methods for taking charge of technology use, let’s open up the discussion to the group. I would like to hear from all of you about your experiences with technology and how you manage it in your lives.
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What are the biggest challenges you face in managing technology in your home?
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What values do you want to instill in your children when it comes to technology use?
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How does technology impact your family’s relationships and communication?
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In what ways do you use technology as a family? How does it benefit or detract from your quality time together?
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How can you balance the benefits and drawbacks of technology use in your family’s daily life?
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What role do you see technology playing in your child’s education? How do you ensure they use it effectively?
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How does technology impact your child’s mental health? What steps do you take to mitigate any negative effects?
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What boundaries do you have in place for technology use in your home? How do you enforce them?
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How do you model responsible technology use for your children?
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What resources or support do you need to manage technology in your home effectively?
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How has technology impacted my relationship with my children?
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What are some potential risks associated with technology use in the home? How can you mitigate those risks?
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What values do you want to instill in your children around technology use? How can you model those values yourself?
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How can you create a technology plan for your family that is flexible enough to accommodate changes and challenges, but still provides structure and boundaries?
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How can you use technology as a tool to enhance your children’s learning and development rather than just as a source of entertainment or distraction?
VI. Suggestions for Teaching about Technology Use in the Home
Begin by discussing the role technology plays in our lives and how it can affect behavior and emotions.
A. Explain the importance of taking charge of technology
Share how technology can be a tool for good, but it can also become a problem when it controls us. Explain that it is important to take charge of technology so that it doesn’t control us.
B. Teach the practical suggestions for taking charge of technology
Review each suggestion for taking charge of technology listed in the article notes (purpose, plan, and pause). Explain how each suggestion can help them control the use of technology.
C. Brainstorm ways to apply the principles at home
Discuss different scenarios where technology can be a problem, such as spending too much time on social media or playing video games for hours on end.
Brainstorm ways to apply the principles of taking charge of technology in these scenarios, such as setting daily limits, creating device-free zones, or taking breaks when needed.
D. Encourage open communication and accountability
Explain that it is important to talk openly about technology use in the family and hold each other accountable for using technology responsibly.
Set expectations and guidelines for technology use in the home and encourage everyone to work together to follow them.
E. Follow up and check-in
Follow up with your children periodically to see how they are doing with taking charge of technology. Encourage them to ask for help if they need it and be willing to offer support and guidance as needed.
F. Model healthy technology use
Explain the important role parents play in modeling healthy technology use. This means being aware of their own technology use and setting a good example. Parents can show children that they can enjoy technology without it controlling their lives and using technology can be balanced with other important activities and relationships.
G. Use positive reinforcement
Discuss how positive reinforcement can be used to establish and strengthen good habits and behaviors. When children make efforts to take charge of their technology use and use it responsibly, it is important to praise and encourage them.
H. Make it a family effort
Encourage everyone in the family to work together to create a healthy relationship with technology. Taking charge of technology is not just an individual effort, but a family effort. This can involve setting family rules and boundaries around technology use, finding alternative activities to do as a family, and having open and honest communication about the challenges and successes of using technology responsibly.
I. Be patient and understanding
Plan with parents how they can change habits and behaviors around technology use. Help them understand that this will take time and effort. It is important to be patient and understanding as children work to take charge of their technology use. They can offer support and guidance along the way, and celebrate the small victories as children make progress toward a healthier relationship with technology.
VII. Conclusion
Technology is a miraculous tool, but it can also be a burden when we don’t use it intentionally. By taking charge of our technology use and guiding children to do the same, we can ensure that it doesn’t control us. Remember to purposefully use technology to learn and create, plan ahead for better choices, and take a break when needed. Let’s also keep in mind the scriptures that encourage us to focus on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. By doing so, we can help children use technology safely and positively.