When I was a senior in high school, my parents got me my first cell phone so I could touch base with them if I was at after school activities or out with friends. This was not a big decision for them. My simple phone was harmless– it did not have the internet or even texting.
Oh how times have changed. Today, parents have to consider so many more factors before handing over a phone to their children, because with smartphones, teens can be exposed to cyber bullying, sexting, pornography, increased comparison with others, etc.
Today’s guest, Andrea Davis, is a mother of five and the founder of Better Screen Time. She is passionate about helping parents navigate technology. She does not want us to feel afraid but rather empowered with tools and know-how to make smart, safe decisions regarding technology within our families. Here are three takeaways to help us decide when to give our children a smart phone:
- Find five parents who are just a few years ahead of you in parenting and ask them how they have handled technology and cell phones with their children.
- Work with your family to create healthy tech boundaries. It’s important to give our kids some ownership in our family technology plan and the opportunity to share their opinions and thoughts.
- Listen to your gut, but also listen to your teen. This will help them learn the “why” behind the decisions you make.
Show Notes
Andrea’s website: betterscreentime.com
Andrea’s Instagram: @betterscreentime
Here are the great resources Andrea mentioned in the interview:
- Grab Your Free Quick Guide to Creating a Family Technology Plan
- Am I Ready for a Personal Device? {A Self-Evaluation for Teens}
- Feature Phone to Smart Phone: A Four-Phase Process
More helpful links:
- Is My Teen Ready for a Cell Phone?
- How to Help Your Teen Transition to a Smartphone
- Screen Time Check-In
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