Technology and families: understand before you ban

For many families, children’s and teenagers’ technology is a source of questions: how much time is too much, what can be set up, what to talk about. Simple answers don’t usually work. Understanding how it works is a good first step.

Why you see what you see

Social networks use algorithms to decide what is shown and in what order. Understanding that what we see is not random can help use them with more judgement. A good question to ask at home: “why do you think this video came up for you?”.

Parental controls: what yes, what no

Many phones and tablets include parental control options, which vary by device and app and can change over time. It is worth checking what each device offers before setting them up, and explaining them to your children. They are a tool to accompany, not to monitor, and they do not replace conversation. It is worth reviewing them when you change device.

Healthy digital habits

It often helps to agree the rules as a family. Some points to talk about:

• Screen time on school days and at weekends.
• Screen-free spaces and moments, like dinner.
• Who has the phone in the bedroom at night.
• Social media and video games: what they play and with whom.

Technology in service of growing up

Technology is neither good nor bad in itself: it depends on how people relate to it and what they know. A practical talk, in plain language, gives tools and confidence to face the challenges of the digital world.

We give talks for families, children and teenagers. If you are interested, write to us.