There should be balance in phone usage.

[Source](https://unsplash.com/photos/silver-iphone-x-floating-over-open-palm-6wdRuK7bVTE)

The advancement in technology has both positive and negative impacts in society and family at large. Recently I sat down to start imagining how this world would have been without the presence of technology that we have currently. For instance, the media that communication normally takes place is through sending an individual to deliver or writing a letter. This tradition existed and I was privileged to be part of it.

I remembered one of the first female friends I had was schooling in a distant place far away from me. The only means of communication was through letter writing and posting it. It was difficult for messages to drop on time but one had no option than to ensure it.

When I got admission into higher education, that's when the GSM era started. My parents helped in providing money for me to procure one of the phones to make calls and enjoy other benefits. Strictly it was basically used for communication and nothing less or more. It wasn't a distraction because the purpose was properly defined. There were not many features that could make one to delve into mysterious and devious things unlike what is happening today.

The topic for today is on the issue of banning phones at home. It's commonly said that if the use of a thing is not known, abuse is inevitable. Many people don't care to read thoroughly the instructions enshrined for the use of phones. Many people have disabused this rare privilege consciously or unconsciously.

Growing up now to become a parent, I have known the importance of having a good home and atmosphere for my children. There are rules I have clearly stated. For instance, use of the phone in my house has been restricted based on the kind of activities we have. When it's time for prayers or fellowship, no one is allowed to make use of the phone when it's time for prayers or morning devotion. It's good to honour God and respect Him for who he is our lives therefore phone shouldn't be a distraction.

There are moments where you want to have a family meeting or timeout. Phones can be kept aside to face the business. The Bible says there is time and season for everything under the surface of the earth therefore there is time to use phone and time to face business or the day.

The phone is gradually tearing families apart in the present world. Imagine a parent talking to a child and he snubs you and keeps playing game hmmm this is uncalled-for because we are in Africa.

Many families today have been scattered due to the issue in the use of phones. Imagine a man discussing with a woman and she focuses only on her phone chatting and sharing ideas with others. What would become of the husband? How would he feel? Placing a ban on the phone for some reason is good because there is a time and season for everything under the surface of the earth.

There should be a balance in whatever we do. Thank God for the progress in technology but there should be moderation to that.

Thanks for reading through.