| Dear Susan,
Technology is a wonderful tool when used appropriately. It is amazing to me that I can use my phone to conference with coworkers and clients from almost anywhere in the world. I am also extremely thankful for the GPS system that guides me turn by turn to where I need to go. Without this high-tech resource, I’d be lost. Technology is awesome and I am a great fan of it.
However, technology can be terrible when misused. There is much evidence suggesting that heavy tech usage, such as with phones, internet, social media, video games, can increase the risk of anxiety, depression, impulsivity, substance abuse, and more. This is an especially worrisome problem with many of our kids today.
Although the basics of parenting remain the same, rapidly evolving technology involving cell phones and the Internet have left many parents wondering what limits are appropriate, how to hold their children accountable for misuse of technology, and how to help kids learn the decision-making skills required to make healthy technology choices when they leave home.
There is good news! Even though these modern issues can be very challenging, we can achieve positive outcomes by applying some age-old parenting truths:
- Kids need limits
- Limits are best set through actions instead of hollow threats
- When kids make poor decisions, they need to experience natural or logical consequences
- Consequences are always more effective when loving empathy is provided first
- Our kids will learn how to live their lives by watching us
Listed below are a few examples of essential limits related to devices and technology:
- You may have your tablet only if there is no arguing when I ask you to shut it off.
- Feel free to have a cell phone when you can pay for the entire cost.
- We allow kids to have their internet-connectable devices only if they check them in with us each night. We’ll return them in the morning only if there are no problems.
- I’ve met plenty of good people who’ve ended up doing bad things on the Internet. That’s why your mom has all my passwords and is free to see my history. You may have this device only if you do the same. Everyone needs someone to hold them accountable.
- I’m shutting my phone off so that I can give you 100% of my attention. Thanks for doing the same.
We’ve recently introduced a new audio resource, Healthy Kids and Families in a Technology-Filled World, designed to support parents in managing their children’s tech usage. This audio features five key principles to help you maintain loving and respectful relationships while preventing unhealthy power struggles and sneaky behavior. These principles will equip you to navigate the complex challenges that technology can bring. Don’t miss out—listen now to start fostering a healthier family dynamic in a tech-driven world.
Thanks for reading!
If this is a benefit, forward it to a friend. Our goal is to help as many families as possible.
Dr. Charles Fay
|
