Tech Tips for Parents

Setting Limits:

• Set time limit per day for total screen time, and gradually allow the child more control over how they allocate that time.

• Set a specific time, or set of times, when the computer can be used.

• No computer use after a certain time.

• No technology at the dinner table.

• School-year screen-time rules from a teacher

• How much screen time is OK for my kid(s)?

Developing Time Management:

• Daily work schedule planning

• Use a kitchen timer to help students understand how long they’ve been online. Set a reasonable amount of time, and put the computer away afterward. It only takes a few times with this technique before the amount of time becomes routine.

• Apps for time management:

  • Use Screen Time on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

  • Self Control

  • Productivity 101: An Introduction to The Pomodoro Technique

  • Study Buddy App

Take Advantage of Tech Breaks:

Research shows that knowing you have specific time set aside to check social networking sites actually helps students focus better, so Dr. Larry Rosen recommends 25 minutes of homework time, then 5 minutes of a tech break, then study again.

• How a Tech Break Can Help Students Focus

• The Amazing Power of “Tech Breaks“

Family Agreements:

• sign a contract between parents and children with clear and agreed consequences for breaking the agreement

• laptops only in family areas, not in isolated areas like the bedrooms

• encourage your child to meet their friends in person

• encourage social time with the family on a fixed schedule

• Common Sense Media: Family Agreement

• Technology Family Contract

Monitoring:

• regular monitoring of comments made/received

• checking the browser history regularly

Regular and open conversations with your child are always the best way to make these strategies successful.

Further resources:

• Screen Time Guide for Parents

• KidsHealth.org

• CALM Parent Guide For Online Safety

• Helping you make technology work for your family

• A Parent's Guide to Age-Appropriate Media

• The Benefits of Boredom

• Common Sense Media

• Common Sense Media: Screen Time

• Common Sense Media: How much screen time is ok for my kids

• Get Net Wise

• Eduro Learning

• Internet Safety Tips for Parents & Guardians

• Internet Safety Advice: Top Tips for Parents

• Video Conferencing Guidelines for Students

• Internet Safety Resources For Kids, Teens, & Parents

• Online Security Guide for Parents - WikiHow