Some families decide to give their child a smartphone earlier than others. If that is your path, there are still powerful steps you MUST take to protect your child’s safety, set boundaries, and keep communication strong.
No devices in bedrooms, bathrooms, or behind closed doors. This includes smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and school-issued laptops.
Devices should always be used in common areas.
Charge phones and tablets overnight in the kitchen or family room.
Set a WiFi bedtime by turning off internet access at a certain hour each night to help kids unplug and get healthy rest.
Technology brings real risks. Talking openly before problems arise helps kids feel prepared and supported.
Establish screen free times such as meals, car rides, and family gatherings.
Use parental controls and monitoring while remembering they are not foolproof.
Encourage kids to keep accounts private and only connect with people they know in real life.
Talk about group chats, which can create stress, drama, and anxiety. Help them to step away and to provide alternative ways to communicate.
Explain how algorithms are designed to keep users hooked and encourage kids to take breaks.
No tool or filter replaces trust. Let your child know they can come to you with anything they see or experience online without fear of immediate punishment or overreaction. A strong parent-child connection is the most powerful safety net.
Even if your child already has a device, your rules and your conversations matter.
By staying involved, you give them the best chance at a safer, healthier digital life.