“If everybody else jumped off a cliff, would you?” Mom and Dad, that just makes your kids mad, driving a wedge between you. Be real. Tell them that many teens can’t control their behavior without mobile phones, let alone with them. Adding an internet-connected camera to the mix can turn sleepovers into compromising photos posted online. According to TeenSafe.com, if you can’t have a detailed discussion about pornography with your kids, your son or daughter isn’t ready for a mobile phone.1 While Scripture doesn’t talk about cell phones specifically, it does say, “Flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22 ESV).

1“Teens, Parents, and Their Smartphones: Your New Audience,” TeenSafe.com

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.

Suggested Reading: 2 Timothy 2:22, , 1 Corinthians 6:18