Wake Up From Your Phone

Youth Talks

by Hank Smith

Not long ago Brother Hank Smith was standing in his kitchen, doing something very important on his cell phone (like playing Candy Crush), not realizing that his nine-year-old daughter was trying to get his attention: Dad . . . Dad . . . Dad . . . DAAAD . . .HANK! Finally he heard her and turned to see what she wanted. She looked at me with a little attitude, hands on her hips, and said "Dad, wake up from your phone!" Then she turned around and left.

In this enlightening talk, Hank Smith tackles a problem that can affect all of us in one form or another if were not careful. Whether our challenge is an obsession with phones, video games, social media, the Internet, or other kinds of technology, the results can be equally devastating. Hank quotes Elder David A. Bednar, who says, "Sadly, some in the Church today ignore things as they really are and neglect eternal relationships for digital distractions, diversions, and detours that have no lasting value."

Using stories, scriptures, and quotes from Church leaders, Hank shares a timely message that will bless both teenagers and their parents.

Genres: Lds, Religion

Audio CD

First published February 1, 2014

About the author

Hank Smith enjoys teaching in the Religious Education Department at BYU and is a favorite speaker for Especially for Youth, Best of Especially for Youth, and BYU Education Week.

Hank and his wife, Sara, were both born and raised in St. George, Utah. They are the parents of one daughter and four sons. Brother Smith enjoys running marathons and eating lots and lots of ice cream (which is why he runs marathons). More than anything else, he loves being at home spending all day with his wife and children.

You can follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hanksmithcds

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

So as we were going on another ski trip with the family I started playing this fireside talk by Hank Smith. All in the back seat were doing great listening to it, then we went and got something to eat and I looked back and as is the habit with our children when they eat, especially breakfast and lunch and sometimes dinner, they were all on their devices and NOT listening to this great fireside on NOT being on your phone/devices all the time! So I turned it off, and from the back I hear, "hey, why did you turn it off?" Well at least one person was getting something out of the talk.

I loved the talk. In the end the idea was to limit your time with your phone/devices because your time is wasted, you give up time with your family that you will never get back and when they are gone you will wish you had back.

The reference to Percy Jackson when they are on a mission to save the world and get stuck in Las Vegas playing games was awesome!

[Happy Reading Watching · Rating 5 out of 5]

So a lot of apps are down right now so I thought this was the perfect time to listen to this one! I remember this talk I saw it live and it was at my local high school so we knew the family he was talking about.
I highly recommend this talk, such a good reminder to focus on what really matters in life :)

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Hank Smith's talks.

[Jessica Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hank Smith is just so great! He can make you laugh and cry in the same talk- that to me is the mark of a talented speaker. This talk is geared towards teenagers but it really goes for anyone. I loved the principle of "I am a slave to nothing." We shouldn't have addictions, whether they be drugs, technology, pornography, etc. If we start to feel like we are a slave to something, we need to step back and take control. This has me thinking about ways I could limit my time on my phone and do more meaningful things.