When the second edition of “Preach My Gospel” was recently announced, missionaries and members worldwide accessed it online and noticed changes. One of those changes is the inclusion of “Follow the Safeguards for Using Technology,” featured on pages 20-22.
These safeguards are not new, Young Women General President Bonnie H. Cordon said when she addressed new mission leaders at their seminar on June 24.
“These safeguards have been taught to missionaries before. But now they are included prominently in ‘Preach My Gospel.’ Similarly, we want everyone to know there is now a new tool to help youth called ‘Taking Charge of Technology,’ that was recently placed on Gospel Library under the ‘Youth’ title,” President Cordon said. “What ‘Safeguards for Technology’ is to missionaries, ‘Taking Charge of Technology’ will be for youth.”
The new tool for youth consists of a series of short lessons and animated videos that can guide discussions with youth whether one-on-one or in groups. In these lessons and videos, youth learn to approach technology with a “purpose.” They can ask themselves, “Why am I using this device right now?” and “How long will I spend on this device?”
Youth learn that they can make better choices when they “plan” to limit screen time and have device-free areas at home, like their bedroom and bathroom.
Finally, youth can learn to “pause” and take a break when they encounter content that is explicit or makes them feel bad, lonely or weird. Those feelings are a signal that something is not right, and they can reach out for help by connecting with someone face-to-face and not through a screen.
Three simple words — “purpose” “plan” and “pause” — can make a big difference. Remembering these words and using technology safely are things that can help us be better disciples of Jesus Christ.
Youth at For the Strength of Youth sessions have been introduced to the new tool by their counselors, and the response has been positive. After one of the videos was shown, the youth broke out in applause.
One young woman from Denver, Colorado, said, “Everyone knows technology is a problem, but people rarely talk about what to do about it. This discussion gave me some practical solutions.”
A young man from Logan, Utah, said, “I think adults need this as much as the youth. I am going home from FSY and teaching my parents about having device-free zones.”
Researchers have been seeing for years that technology, if left unmanaged, can change the behavior and attitudes of today’s teens. They point out that since the release of the iPhone in 2007, young people are hanging out less with friends and are in no rush to date or drive. They are less likely to get enough sleep, are more lonely and report being less happy.
“Our youth in the Church can choose a different path,” said Young Men General President Steven J. Lund. “They can realize that they control technology. It doesn’t control them. This new tool is about arming youth with principles so that they can use technology for what they need and then move on to something else.”
With the “Safeguards for Using Technology” in “Preach My Gospel” and “Taking Charge of Technology” in Gospel Library, missionaries and youth alike can find it easier to put on the armor of God (See Ephesians 6:10-18).
