Teaching Teens to Spend Time Wisely

A recent survey conducted in England asked parents to report on how many hours a week their fifteen to seventeen year old boys were playing video games. The survey found that on average, the boys were gaming for almost thirty-four hours a week! Researchers were struck by the fact that in England, schools are expected to be open for thirty two and a half hours a week. What this means is that these boys were spending more time each week playing video games, than they were spending in school. Parents, we need to realize that our kids are being shaped by where they spend their time, who they spend time with, and what they spend their time doing. The teenage years are prime years for education, and what we learn then will shape or mis-shape us into who we are for the rest of our lives. I was reminded of the importance of time with family, time spent at church and in youth group, and the powerful role these thing play in positive spiritual nurture. How are your boys spending their time?