Have you seen this book–iGen: Why Today’s Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy–and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood–and What That Means for the Rest of Us, by Dr. Jean M. Twenge, PhD?  Whew! Super long title!  I haven’t read this book yet; but I have seen it quoted several places recently.  So much so, that I decided to add some of the statistics and findings to the Technology Handout that I keep updated on my website. We cannot be in the dark about what technology (or addiction to technology) is doing to our kids.

The titles of these articles quoting Dr. Twenge’s findings should be enough to scare the life out of parents:

Has the Smartphone Destroyed a Generation?

The Scary Truth About What’s Hurting Our Kids

Why Today’s Kids are Developing More Slowly

Are Cell Phones Contributing to Teen Depression?

Smartphones, Cypberbullying Targeted as Causes of Skyrocketing Teen Suicide Rate

So..what are we supposed to do with all of this frightful information?  Bury our heads in the sand?  Move to an island with our kids?

First of all, we have to remember what God says about our kids. Let me say again, as a reminder to you and to me….

He goes before them and behind them. – Deuteronomy 31:8

His wings cover them. – Psalm 91:4

He gives His angels charge over them. – Psalm 91:11

He has prepared good works for them. – Ephesians 2:10

He equips them. – Ephesians 4:12

He knows the number of hairs on their heads. – Luke 12:7

His thoughts of them are more numerous than sand. – Psalm 139:17-18

He has not forsaken them. – Deuteronomy 31:6

He has set them apart for such a time as this. – Esther 4:14

He calls them to be a light. – John 12:36

And, secondly, we must be on guard. If we put a smart phone in the hand of your child, be prepared and be diligent. I would encourage you to see the latest Technology Handout and decide what the plan for smart phones will be at your house.

I am praying for you.

My love,