Managing Home Tech

Resources for families to help manage tech devices at home

General Guidance

Parents look to keep their children safe online while also giving them room to grow and develop independence to make responsible decisions on their own. Families take different approaches to technology and often grapple with different strategies. For example, a trust-based strategy, a control-based strategy, or a combination of both. There is no "one fits all" answer and families need to find a strategy that works best for them.

We suggest having an open dialogue with the family about technology use. Additionally, adults can model balance and putting away screens. Below are a few best practices regarding tech use worth considering.

• Create a family technology policy, post it somewhere easy to see, and revisit it regularly.

• Consider quality over quantity - how is the tech being used? To connect with friends, to pursue a hobby? To do something creative?

• Tech should ideally be in a public space so adults can keep an eye on how it's being used.

• Create a routine of putting away all technology at a designated time (at least an hour before bedtime) in a non-kid space.

• Take screen breaks 20/20/20 (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet ahead for 20 seconds).

• Take care of your body - keep your screen eye level (prevent neck strain) and have your arms in an L position (not a V shape).

• Explore technology with your child. Talk through the app settings, play the game together etc.

Additional Resources

LREI Technology and Internet Responsible Use Policy

Janell Burley Hofman Contract Collection a collection of working iRules, contracts & agreements

Common Sense Media The leading source of entertainment and technology recommendations for families.

Entertainment Software Rating Board The ESRB ratings provide information about what’s in a video game or app so parents can make informed choices about which are right for their family.

Children and Screens helping children lead healthy lives in the digital world