Media Alert!
February 2026
Blog #75
Sue Summers
MediaSavvyKids.org
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2, NIV)
Time for a Digital Rest?
Cell phones are ubiquitous, connecting us to everything: our homes, our cars, our appliances, our banks, our family and friends, our shopping, the news, and social media. They are literally a lifeline to everywhere and everything, all the time!
Ask your teen to turn off or silence their phone and an argument – or at least a look of contempt – will follow. We are vulnerable to phone fixation in ways we would never have predicted 10 or 15 years ago.
Perhaps it’s time to recognize the resulting serious issues related to cell phone use.
“The impacts of cell phone addiction are far-reaching, affecting individuals’ psychological health, social relationships, academic and occupational performance, and physical well-being. As smartphones continue to play an increasingly central role in daily life, it is essential to address the negative consequences of excessive use through preventive measures, targeted interventions, and public awareness initiatives.” (https://storage.googleapis.com/innctech/ejbps/article_issue/volume_11_december_issue_12/1733821036.pdf?utm_source=copilot.com)
One school is challenging students to log off, unplug, and reset priorities. Liberty University in Virginia has offered a campus-wide approach to lessen students’ dependence on phones.
“During February, students across Liberty University’s campus are participating in the school’s second annual Digital Rest, a 28-day detox that encourages them to deepen their connection with God and others by unplugging from digital distractions, specifically social media, online shopping, and entertainment…
To participate in the Digital Rest, students are encouraged to log out of all social media, identify and delete every nonessential application, and read one page of the Digital Rest Guide each weekday during February.” (https://www.liberty.edu/news/2026/02/09/monthlong-digital-rest-has-college-students-unplugging-from-devices-to-refocus-minds-and-hearts-on-god)
Notice that this month-long focus does not ask students to get rid of their phones – truly an impossibility in this age of inter-connectedness. The plan is to eliminate social media, entertainment, and online shopping for one month and spend time focusing on Prayer and Bible reading instead, offering them experiential evidence that life does indeed continue with limited cell phone use!
Liberty University emphasizes it is not anti-phone or anti-technology but hopes that this “digital rest” will accentuate the importance of in-person relationships, nature, time with God, and better time self-management.
Concerns about cell phone use include:
• loneliness, anxiety, stress, and depression
• lack of sufficient sleep
• an increase in certain mental health issues
• addiction to dopamine hits (Dopamine plays a crucial role in the brain’s reward system.)
• lack of exercise
• isolation from friends and family
• possible smartphone addiction
Cell phones and other devices are here to stay, but how can we keep them from monopolizing our days? There isn’t just one answer, of course. Below are suggested ways to start the process.
We can help our teens grow into successful and mature adults by deepening their daily connection with God, establishing priorities, caring for others, and developing time management skills.
So how can we help teens become media-savvy about the culture that surrounds them?
The most successful approach to managing cell phone use is occasional discussion about this component of modern life. Another is to model appropriate use of the phone, such as no cell phone interruptions at the dinner table or when guests are present… for adults, as well as teens. Here are a few ideas to open a line of communication with teens.
• For families, an intentional refocus that emphasizes Sundays as the Sabbath might be the perfect time to attend church, reclaim family time, and expand the horizons of what else life offers besides being on the phone. Limit cell phone use to only necessary calls on Sundays, rather than scrolling or reading social media posts.
• Another tactic is to have a basket in the home where cell phones are placed during mealtime and at bedtime, to prevent distractions from family dynamics and encourage getting enough sleep.
• Discuss cell phone use in the car. Make rules together as a family to set time limits or specific ideas about when cell phones are appropriate, such as long road trips.
• Establish a rule to not take photos of other people that are designed to embarrass or mock them and to not take or share images of other people without their consent.
• When considering the purchase of a cell phone for a child under 14, select a phone that does not have Internet access.
• Learn the school’s policy regarding cell phones. One high school in Colorado has placed hanging shoe holders in every classroom with an assigned number for each student. Each teen drops his/her silenced phone into the designated slot at the start of class and reclaims it after the class ends. This inexpensive solution has less potential conflict with students and their parents than banning phones from the school property. (Walmart sells these for less than $11 each: Mainstays 26-Pocket Clear PEVA Hanging Shoe Organizer for Closet Storage)
• Encourage discussion of phone use rather than mandating strict rules without exceptions.
• Discuss the positive and negative aspects of being hyper-connected to our phones.
• Ask, “What do you think would happen if we didn’t have cell phones for a week?”
• Discuss how our daily distractions draw us away from spending quality time with God – praying, studying God’s Word, and just being in His presence.
• Discuss this question: “What do you think God’s opinion would be about the time we spend on our cell phones?”
• Ask, “What is the Sabbath and why is remembering the Sabbath one of God’s Ten Commandments? How can we honor God on the Sabbath by our actions? What are your thoughts about how we could make each Sunday more meaningful?”
• Share, “Let’s brainstorm ideas about how to lessen our involvement with our cell phones.”
Reminder: You are always on speed-dial with the God of this Universe by way of a single prayer.
Note: Share this blog with your church’s youth pastor as a lesson for youth group gatherings.
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Sue Summers is a Christian media analyst, teacher, author, and speaker.
She is the Director of Media Alert!
Contact Info:
Blogs: MediaSavvyKids.org
Website: http://www.MediaAlert.org
Email: Sue@MediaAlert.org
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© Sue Summers 2026
Media Alert! 