Phones and technology are designed to keep us engaged for as long as possible. How does so much time online affect us? How do we learn to balance screen time with the rest of our lives? How do we support kids and teens in finding balance? This section has information and tips that are important for people of all ages who use technology.
5 Strategies For Coping With Screen-Obsessed Kids (June 2019)
Quick article with 5 simple, practical tips focused on connecting, not just monitoring. Also has a link to a longer (28 minute) radio story for when you have time to go more deeply into this issue or prefer to listen instead of read.
From NPR, by Anya Kamenetz and Chloee Weiner
At Your Wits’ End With A Screen-Obsessed Kid? Read This (June, 2019)
Longer, more in-depth article that addresses the complexity of this issue and focuses on how hard it is to get kids and teens off screens and how common it is for parents to struggle with this issue. It also touches upon related emotional and mental health issues and includes tips to shift the dynamic in the home and encouragement to work on the overall relationship, not just monitor and restrict use. Highlights a family with children ages 5, 11, and 14, so whether you are concerned about young children, a tweens, or teenagers, this article will probably have something relevant for you!
From NPR, by Anya Kamenetz and Chloee Weiner
From 1st Phones To Online Porn: Answers To Your Screen Time Questions (September, 2019)
Article: 4 questions with answers about 1) when to get a child a first phone (and how to ease into it), 2) how to help children handle cyberbullying, 3) encouragement to talk with children about online porn and 4) how to balance homework and screen time. Also has a link to a 21-minute radio story if you have more time or prefer to listen instead of read!
From NPR, by Anya Kamenetz
It’s not you. Phones are designed to be addicting. (Feb, 2018)
5:48 minute video from Vox Science about how phones are designed to keep us engaged and a bit about how to address this. Similar to some of the advice from the Like Documentary.
Screen Time Rules For Kids (March, 2018)
2 minute video with Anya’s 3 simple rules for screen time (for parents and guardians to use) that she came up with after interviewing hundreds of parents. This video gives a taste of her book “The Art of Screen Time: How Your Family Can Balance Digital Media and Real Life.”
From NPR, by Anya Kamenetz
Websites and Other Online Resources
The Center for Humane Technology
” is an independent nonprofit organization whose aim is to drive a comprehensive shift toward humane technology by changing the way technologists think about their work and how they build products.” They also help people figure out how to be more engaged in their life offline, balance their relationship with technology, and make sure that technology use is in line with their values.
Ever wonder how to:
– block notifications to reduce distractions?
– reduce the blue light on your phone for better sleep?
– block robocalls?
Check out their Take Control page for tips and apps to try!
Check out Center for Humane Technology’s page for parents and students, with links to videos, PDF handouts, and additional resources.
App ratings from the Center for Humane Technology. Shows how happy vs. unhappy people feel when using different apps for various lengths of time – super interesting!
Common Sense Media has hand-picked lists for quality entertainment and tech. E.g. Reviews for shows and movies, Reference and Research Apps and Websites, Best Apps for Kids by age ranges, etc. You can also browse trending parenting articles and videos, or find advice by age range.