That's right. You read the title correctly. Addicts.
When I think of an addict I get this graphic picture in my head of a person sitting on the floor in the fetal position.
She's rocking back & forth with a wild look in her eye.
She is jumpy and her eye makeup is messed up because she has been wiping away the tears.
She needs something desperately, and feels like she can't live without it.
It's scary & sad.
QUESTION
Is this you when you can't find your cell phone?
You might have chuckled a little to yourself when you read that question, but unfortunately I'm not joking.
Our Youth Group goes to this awesome church camp for a week each summer. It is the most fun, energy filled, youth centered, & Jesus focused week. Seriously, the week after camp our youth get homesick... for camp!
The camp doesn't have a lot of rules but one of the BIGGIES is... no cell phones. No Joke, if a camp counselor sees a Youth with their phone the rules say they can take the phone away from them & it will be mailed back home at the Youth's expense.
So when we go over camp rules a few weeks before we leave each year it always amazes/scares me to see the reactions of some of the Youth (mainly girls) who have not gone before.
They freak. I mean REALLY freak.
One time, a few days before camp, a girl told me she was already having anxiety attacks just THINKING about being away from her cell phone for a week.
Cell phones have become a crutch to way to many teens & adults. (Don't worry I know it's not just teens!)
The next time you're out somewhere eating look around and see how many people are on their cell phones. Now, how many of those on cell phones are seated with other people? Talk about a quiet meal...
So... Are you addicted to your cell phone?
1. Do you constantly check your phone even when it hasn't rung or vibrated?
2. Do get a panicked feeling when you reach in your pocket/purse & can't find your phone?
3. Do you put off schoolwork, sleep, or other responsibilities to be on the phone?
4. Do you feel depressed when you haven't been on your phone?
Maybe you need to take a serious look at your NEED for your phone.
A phone can be very important. When in an emergency it can honestly be a lifesaver.
Be careful of how much you depend on your phone. Is it what makes you happy? Is your social media & texting how you feel appreciated & loved. Do you spend more time on your phone that with actual people... talking... not on the phone? Are you spending more time on your phone than reading your bible? Praying? Spending time with God?
“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me." Exodus 20:2-3 (NIV)
Has your phone become your addiction?
If so, take it to God. Confess that you have put it before him & other things. Ask him for help with this temptation.
Maybe you need to talk to your parents about setting up some specific rules about cell phone use.
And Guess What...
There's An App For That!
No Joke! I found out while researching this that there are actually apps that are supposed to help you with your cell phone addiction.
1. PAUSE
For iPhone
Pause Description:
It might not be a drug, but a digital based addiction can still keep you away from your real life.
2. BreakFree
For Android
BreakFree Description:
BreakFree is the best Android app for monitoring and taking control of your smartphone usage habits and your digital life. It helps you check your addiction levels and also helps you unplug and disconnect from your smartphone. With BreakFree you can focus on what's important.
Disclaimer: I am in NO WAY endorsing either of these apps. I do NOT own either of them nor am I being paid to mention them. I ONLY give them as an option that teens should discuss with their parents as a possibility.
Take a step back. Put the phone down. Go find something to do without it. Maybe even have a REAL conversation with someone.
When I think of an addict I get this graphic picture in my head of a person sitting on the floor in the fetal position.
She's rocking back & forth with a wild look in her eye.
She is jumpy and her eye makeup is messed up because she has been wiping away the tears.
She needs something desperately, and feels like she can't live without it.
It's scary & sad.
QUESTION
Is this you when you can't find your cell phone?
You might have chuckled a little to yourself when you read that question, but unfortunately I'm not joking.
Our Youth Group goes to this awesome church camp for a week each summer. It is the most fun, energy filled, youth centered, & Jesus focused week. Seriously, the week after camp our youth get homesick... for camp!
The camp doesn't have a lot of rules but one of the BIGGIES is... no cell phones. No Joke, if a camp counselor sees a Youth with their phone the rules say they can take the phone away from them & it will be mailed back home at the Youth's expense.
So when we go over camp rules a few weeks before we leave each year it always amazes/scares me to see the reactions of some of the Youth (mainly girls) who have not gone before.
They freak. I mean REALLY freak.
One time, a few days before camp, a girl told me she was already having anxiety attacks just THINKING about being away from her cell phone for a week.
Cell phones have become a crutch to way to many teens & adults. (Don't worry I know it's not just teens!)
The next time you're out somewhere eating look around and see how many people are on their cell phones. Now, how many of those on cell phones are seated with other people? Talk about a quiet meal...
So... Are you addicted to your cell phone?
1. Do you constantly check your phone even when it hasn't rung or vibrated?
2. Do get a panicked feeling when you reach in your pocket/purse & can't find your phone?
3. Do you put off schoolwork, sleep, or other responsibilities to be on the phone?
4. Do you feel depressed when you haven't been on your phone?
Maybe you need to take a serious look at your NEED for your phone.
A phone can be very important. When in an emergency it can honestly be a lifesaver.
Be careful of how much you depend on your phone. Is it what makes you happy? Is your social media & texting how you feel appreciated & loved. Do you spend more time on your phone that with actual people... talking... not on the phone? Are you spending more time on your phone than reading your bible? Praying? Spending time with God?
“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me." Exodus 20:2-3 (NIV)
Has your phone become your addiction?
If so, take it to God. Confess that you have put it before him & other things. Ask him for help with this temptation.
Maybe you need to talk to your parents about setting up some specific rules about cell phone use.
And Guess What...
There's An App For That!
No Joke! I found out while researching this that there are actually apps that are supposed to help you with your cell phone addiction.
1. PAUSE
For iPhone
Pause Description:
It might not be a drug, but a digital based addiction can still keep you away from your real life.
2. BreakFree
For Android
BreakFree Description:
BreakFree is the best Android app for monitoring and taking control of your smartphone usage habits and your digital life. It helps you check your addiction levels and also helps you unplug and disconnect from your smartphone. With BreakFree you can focus on what's important.
Disclaimer: I am in NO WAY endorsing either of these apps. I do NOT own either of them nor am I being paid to mention them. I ONLY give them as an option that teens should discuss with their parents as a possibility.
Take a step back. Put the phone down. Go find something to do without it. Maybe even have a REAL conversation with someone.