Cell Phone Tips for Parents
How Can I Get My Kids to Put Down Their Phones?
Constantly looking at phones—it may be annoying, but it is a normal part of life for many kids. Staying in touch with friends is important to preteens and teens. However, if phone use is getting in the way of family time, homework, and other responsibilities, it might be time to help your kid manage their phone use. (www.commonsensemedia.org)
- Encourage kids to reflect on their phone habits by having open, nonjudgmental conversations. Provide them with tools, like a Family Tech Planner, to help set age-appropriate goals and suggest changes. Provide guidance about cell phone use in different settings (Home, School, Restaurant, etc.).
- Set phone-free times during key moments, such as meals, car rides, or public transportation, to create opportunities for face-to-face conversations. Limit screen time during school nights, weekends, holidays, vacations, or other connected times.
- Model the behavior you want to see, then explain the why. Avoid texting while driving, and consider explaining your phone use to younger children ("I'm checking directions to the party") so they understand the purpose. If you need to attend to your phone during family time, politely excuse yourself and explain: “Excuse me for a moment, my doctor is calling me.”
- Charge phones in a shared space at night. This helps create a phone-free environment and offers kids a much-needed break. Establish a device storage for tech to be placed at night or during phone-free times. Digital alarm clocks can be used instead of cell phones to wake up in the morning.
- Set clear consequences for excessive phone use. Have a discussion of what is excessive, and listen to your child’s voice. This will provide agency and accountability. Consider implementing temporary time or location limits if your child struggles to put their phone away or displays problematic behavior.
- Understand the reasons behind your child's phone use. Have a discussion about the child's beliefs about cell phones. They may be responding to a friend in need, getting distracted by apps or games, or avoiding stress at home. Discussing these reasons can help clarify the motivations behind their phone habits.
Family Tech Planners
Use these planners to spark meaningful conversations about technology use within your family. Technology and entertainment offer great opportunities for discussion, and a tech planner can help create a shared understanding of how your family manages screen time. These planners encourage kids to think critically about their tech habits by addressing key questions: What will I do? How much time will I spend? Am I making thoughtful choices? Planners are also in Spanish.