Time: < 30 Minutes
STEP 1: Establish a family rule that during dinner, all phones/tablets/etc. are to be laid aside (or better yet, left in another room) and no one can look at them while at the table. Use dinner time to catch up with everyone’s events of the day, things people are looking forward to, or struggles they are having.
STEP 2: Download an app that manages your kid’s screen time. Placing restrictions on screen-time during homework or after a certain time at night will help influence your kids to prioritize more important things, such as reading, sleeping or more time with the family.
STEP 3: Keep up to date on games and apps that your kids are using to make sure you can help them stay safe from online predators. There are various ways to block the usage of certain websites—research different available software if this is a concern of yours. If so, have an open conversation with your child and check in to see if they feel safe while online—are they being cyber-bullied or harassed in any way? This is important information to know and you can make a huge difference for your child.
STEP 4: Constantly look for activities that divert the kids from online activity (ex: throw the football, take a screen-free walk, Frisbee golf, go hiking, or watch a movie with the family).
STEP 5: Recognize what a time-suck the internet can be for everyone in the family. Have each family member record their online time (your phone and apps can do this, or better yet, create a physical chart and hang it on your fridge) and make necessary adjustments. Consider a maximum amount of time for both weekdays and weekends for all family members, remembering to keep it fair.
