Four Ways to Sanctify your Screen Time

Samantha Stephenson shares tips for a holier approach to our use of phones, tablets, computers, and TVs. 

Screen time is a reality of our modern world. We use screens for work, education, entertainment, communication, and information. Screens can be useful and beneficial, but they can also be harmful and addictive. As Catholic moms, we want to use screens wisely and responsibly, and to help our children do the same. We also want to use screens as a means to grow in our faith and to share it with others.  

But how can we sanctify screen time and make it a source of grace and blessing? Here are four ways to help you achieve this goal. 
 

Set limits and boundaries.  

Begin by limiting and regulating screen time. Too much screen time can have negative effects on our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. It can also interfere with our relationships, our duties, and our prayer life. Therefore, we need to set clear and reasonable rules for ourselves and our children, such as how much, when, where, and why we use screens. We also need to enforce these rules and hold ourselves and our children accountable. We can use tools such as timers, filters, blockers, or parental controls to help us with this task. 
 

Choose quality over quantity.  

Not all screen time is equal. Some screen time can be educational, inspirational, or edifying, while some can be wasteful, harmful, or sinful. Therefore, we need to be discerning and selective about what we watch, read, listen to, or play on screens. We need to avoid anything that is contrary to our faith, our morals, or our dignity, such as violence, pornography, gossip, or blasphemy. We also need to avoid anything that is superficial, trivial, or distracting, such as mindless scrolling, binge-watching, or gaming. Instead, we need to choose things that are good, true, and beautiful, such as art, literature, music, or documentaries. 
 

Use screens as a means, not an end.  

Screens are not an end in themselves, but a tool or a medium to achieve a higher purpose. Therefore, we need to use screens with intention and direction, not with passivity and aimlessness. We need to use screens to enrich and enhance our lives, not to escape or replace them. We need to use screens to connect and communicate with others, not to isolate or alienate them. We need to use screens to serve and glorify God, not to ignore or offend Him. 

Use screens to grow and share your faith.  

Screens can be a great way to learn more about your faith, to deepen your relationship with God, and to spread the Gospel to others. There are many wholesome and faithful resources available on screens, such as podcasts, videos, blogs, or apps, that can help you with this task. I recommend these YouTube channels to other Catholic moms: 
 

• Catholic Truth: This channel offers clear and concise explanations of the Catholic faith, as well as answers to common questions and objections. It also provides practical tips and advice on how to live out your faith in everyday situations. 

• The Lila Rose Show: This channel features interviews and conversations with inspiring and influential people who are making a difference in the culture of life. It also covers topics such as pro-life activism, feminism, relationships, and motherhood. 

• Bishop Robert Barron: This channel is hosted by Bishop Barron, one of the most popular and respected Catholic speakers and authors in the world. He offers commentary and analysis on current events, culture, movies, books, and theology.  

• Ascension Presents: This channel is produced by Ascension Press, a leading Catholic media company. It features videos from various Catholic personalities, including Father Mike Schmitz, Jackie and Bobby Angel, Matt Fradd, and Leah Darrow. It covers topics such as prayer, Scripture, sacraments, morality, and evangelization. 

• Pints with Aquinas: This channel is hosted by Matt Fradd, a Catholic apologist and author. He engages in long-form discussions, debates, and teachings on the Catholic faith, with a special focus on the philosophy and theology of Saint Thomas Aquinas. 

• The Counsel of Trent: This channel is hosted by Trent Horn, a Catholic apologist and speaker. He helps Catholics answer the toughest objections against our faith, from atheists, Protestants, and other critics.  

• Brave New Us: This is my channel where, as a Catholic bioethicist, author, and podcaster, I explore the Church’s teachings on issues like IVF, genetic editing, and euthanasia, and host discussions with experts on the ethical and moral implications of the latest developments in medical research, technology, and culture.  

By following these tips, you can make screen time a positive and productive part of your life, and not a negative and destructive one. You can also use screen time as an opportunity to grow in your faith and to share it with others. Finally, you can use screen time to honor and praise God, who is the source and the end of all things.  

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Copyright 2024 Samantha Stephenson
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