Division 3 is learning to identify and reflect on the habits they have with digital media and devices.

From phones and tablets to streaming movies and YouTube, tech and media are everywhere. Kids love easy access to TV shows, games, and information.

Parents and caregivers love that kids can stay in contact while they explore their independence. But it’s easy to overdo it when the phone never stops pinging and the next episode plays automatically.

Check out these tips from Common Sense Media to keep media and tech use in check.

1. Create screen-free times and zones.

Help tweens and teens take breaks from tech by limiting screen time in bedrooms, during study time, or at the dinner table. Consider carving out regular family time when screens are either put away or enjoyed together.

2. Explore built-in digital well-being tools.

Together with your kids, check out the features on their devices and in their apps that can help them use tech more intentionally. Consider turning off autoplay functions, limiting notifications from certain apps, using settings that turn off devices at a certain time each night, and more.

3. Model the behavior you want to see.

Tweens and teens learn more from watching adult behavior than listening to lectures. Consider how you use your devices and other media, and make changes if your use doesn’t follow your expectations for your kids.

4. Help kids identify healthy behaviors.

Ask kids to notice their feelings, both physical and emotional, during screen and non-screen activities. Does their heart rate increase when their phone vibrates? Does their self-esteem dip after viewing a friend’s Instagram feed? Do they feel good when they get positive feedback on a post? Encourage kids to keep the constructive activities and let go of the rest.

5. Understand how tech companies make money.

Along with your tween and teen, research how digital devices, social media platforms, and apps and games get paid. Do they sell ads? Do they sell kids’ data? Discuss why companies might want kids to spend more time on their platforms and what tricks they use to keep their attention.

 

Here are some suggested questions for discussion from Common Sense Media:

1. What do you think the terms digital habits and media balance mean?
Listen for (or suggest if needed):

  • Digital habits are things we do regularly with digital media and devices—like checking your phone when you wake up, listening to music on your way to school, or playing video games before bed.
  • Media balance means using media in a way that feels healthy and in balance with other life activities.

2. What are some of our family’s digital habits?

3. Are there any you think we should try to change? Why, or why not?