Teens and Tech: Helping Your Student Unplug

Technology can be a great thing — but you've probably seen how it can also pull at your teen's attention, focus, and relationships, depending on how it's used. When tech starts interfering with everyday life and connection, it's worth helping your student step back and reconsider the role it plays.

Connected, but Disconnected

The numbers are sobering. The average person touches their phone over 2,600 times a day, and the average teenager spends around nine hours a day on technology. Teens who use their phones seven or more hours a day are twice as likely to be diagnosed with anxiety and depression. Even among Christians, the majority reach for their phone before they ever open their Bible in the morning.

The Cost of Comparison

Within minutes of scrolling, your teen can slip into the trap of comparison — and comparison is the fastest way to forget what God says about us. Help your student anchor their identity in this truth: I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well (Psalm 139:14).

What You Can Do

Set screen-time limits. Use the built-in tools on your teen's device to put healthy boundaries around their time.

Power down once a day. Encourage your student to unplug during meals or time with friends — to be present and give people their full attention.

Make space for God. Help your teen carve out a daily, distraction-free time to pray and read Scripture, with the phone in another room.

Surrounding your student with friends who share their faith makes all of this easier. The Mix, our student ministry, gives them a place to grow and connect beyond the screen every week.