Tech-Smart Tips for Summer

While technology provides wonderful benefits like connecting us to family who live far away, allowing for flexible work schedules, and providing access to valuable information, it can also disrupt our lives in many ways. Many of the apps we use daily are designed to be addictive, making it hard for us to disconnect or focus on the people right in front of us. Sometimes it is easier to just scroll through messages or news feeds than go for a walk, read a book, or actually call a friend or family member who is going through a difficult time. The constant access that technology provides can also make it difficult to carve out time for reflection, silence, and rest. The beginning of the summer is a good time to reevaluate our technology use and set some tech-smart goals for ourselves and our families. Here are a few to consider:

• Set tech-free zones and times. One goal we have at our house is to maintain bedrooms as tech-free spaces. This has been amazing for good conversation, bedtime reading, and healthy sleep habits. We also aim to keep at least half of long car rides screen free, allowing for everyone to listen to an audiobook together, tell stories, watch the scenery go by, or enjoy good conversation. Consider times or places you want to make tech-free this summer and enjoy time and space to disconnect.
• Plan intentional tech-free activities. With technology taking up so much of our time and focus these days, we sometimes lose track of favorite pastimes and hobbies, or miss opportunities for new experiences. This summer, intentionally pursue a hobby that you haven’t done in a while like doing art, participating in a sport, or journaling. What is something you have always wanted to do, but have never pursued? Consider turning off the phone and making time for that activity this summer. If you have kids, plan some fun activities together that give them a break from screens.  
• Assess your technology use. In what ways is technology working well for you and your family? How is it strengthening relationships and building skills and connections? In what ways is technology detracting from conversations, rest, or other activities? Are you spending too much time on social media, games, news feeds, or email? Consider setting some goals to make technology use more productive and less distracting this summer. This might include uninstalling an app from your phone, downloading a phone usage tracking app, or asking a friend or family member to keep you accountable to usage goals.

​These are just a few ideas. For more tech-smart ideas, check out The Tech-Wise Family or My Tech-Wise Life by Andy and Amy Crouch or listen to the newest episode of The Leading Tomorrow Podcast. 

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