Device Distraction and Parents

While we should all be concerned about the amount of time our teens are distracted by their smart-phones, a heavy dose of parental self-examination is warranted as well. Recent data from Pew research reveals that parents are now realizing that device distractions are not unique to teenagers. Parents are now reporting their own challenges with being hyper-connected and managing screen time. Six out of ten parents say they at least sometimes feel obligated to respond to messages immediately on their cell phone. Four out of ten parents say they at least sometimes lose their focus at work due to checking their cell phone. And thirty-six percent of parents say they spend too much time on their cellphone. I realize that I’m prone to these behaviors as well. And I realize that time spent with digital technology is time that’s taken away or even stolen from more important pursuits, like spending time with my family or engaging in spiritual growth activities. How are you spending your time?