How to prepare your child for their first device
Rest assured that you’re not alone in grappling with these questions. Whether it be a tablet, a computer, a smartwatch, or a cell phone, we’re here to help you prepare your child for their first device so that they can stay safe, while feeling connected and supported. Tips for preparing your child for their first device So you’ve made the decision to give your child their first device, but now what? We’ve put together our top tips for establishing guidelines, expectations, and boundaries. Establish clear guidelines as a family. Before giving your child a new device, sit down together and talk through expectations and age-appropriate limits. You can discuss the following questions: What will the device be used for? What level of parental oversight will be enforced? What hours of the day can the device be used? What are the time limits for screen usage? Where are your “no-screen zones” within the house? Are there boundaries around apps or content that they can access? You can explain to your child that your job is to keep them safe and that you’ll be fully involved in setting healthy tech limits. Be sure that everyone has a chance to participate in the conversation, allowing your child to share their thoughts. This will help them to feel valued and empowered to stick to the agreed-upon boundaries. You can even create a formal contract that outlines what you’ve discussed. Set up parental controls. Depending on the device you choose and your child’s age and maturity level, consider setting parental limits to keep them safe online. You can create content limits, install monitoring tools, set screen time limits, and use kid locks to ensure they aren’t accessing inappropriate content or spending too much time on their devices. Remember that these settings aren’t completely fool-proof, so you’ll need to stay involved in their tech usage. Teach online safety. Let your child or teen know that they should never post personal information, such as their birthday, address, social security number, driver’s license, passport, or other documents online. Teach them to be wary of downloading files or making purchases online without parental consent. Be sure to educate them about online scams so that they stay alert to “tricky people” that may prey on children or teens. Make it clear that they must NEVER meet up with someone they encounter online. Above all else, encourage them to come to you if they ever find themselves in an uncomfortable or dangerous situation. Talk to your child about cyberbullying. Let your child know that they should come to you immediately if anyone ever makes them feel bad about themselves online. Even if bullying isn’t an issue in your house right now, it's important to discuss it so they will be prepared if it does happen. Take notice if your child experiences changes in mood or behavior after spending time on their device, and consult a mental health professional if you need support in navigating cyberbullying. Prioritize screen-free family time. Make a list of things you can do offline as a family. This could be anything from taking a hike together to having a family game night. What about gardening or swimming? When was the last time you had a fun adventure together? Get everyone involved in the planning and prioritize your time to connect. Protect evening routines. Encourage everyone in your family to end the day with healthier habits. Consider making the bedroom a “no-screen zone” so that it remains a space to rest and recharge. Replace the time you’d be scrolling with a relaxing activity, like journaling, taking a bath, or reading a book. Adding calming habits into your routine can boost your mood, lower stress, and help you get a better night’s sleep. Model healthy behaviors. We know this one can be tough, but remember that your child is always watching and learning from you. Try to put down your device while communicating with family members and during times of connection, like shared meals. Avoid texting while multi-tasking when possible, and let your child see you enjoying screen-free activities and hobbies. Encourage responsible time management. Help your child prioritize what needs to be done (like homework, chores, or shared family time) before spending time on their device so that they can learn to best manage their time. This sends the message that you’re not going to be dismissive or restrictive of their behavior, but rather flexible and encouraging of them using tech with intention. Check in often about tech usage. Make sure that this is an ongoing conversation, leaving the door open for your child to always come to you if they are struggling. Let them know that your job is to keep them safe online, so you will be actively involved when it comes to their digital life. It’s not always the right time to talk, so if your child isn’t feeling it, let them know that they can always come to you at another time. Try saying something like, “Whenever you want to talk, I’m here to listen and support you.” Remember that adjusting to a new device can take time, so make space for those messier moments and give yourself some grace as you navigate this part of parenting. If you could use extra support, consider reaching out to a mental health professional. A coach or therapist can help your child establish healthy tech habits so that they can feel their best for a lifetime.The Ultimate Digital Parenthood Gift Guide
A note from Aura's Chief Medical Officer,DrScott As a parent, I love my kids more than anything. And I know you do, too. But I'd be lying if I said it wasn't hard to be a parent sometimes! I think that's a pretty universal feeling around the world and even through time. If I had a way to transport myself back to the middle ages, I bet I'd find some parents to commiserate with (even though our parenting challenges would certainly be different!) This decade might be the hardest time ever to be a parent, though. According to an advisory issued by the Surgeon General , a whopping 48% of parents say that most days their stress is completely overwhelming (compared to 26% among other adults.)There's so much to worry about: online safety, offline safety, health, balancing remote school and remote work…the list goes on. And it gets even more difficult during the holidays! It feels like kids are talking about new tech every five minutes these days—and revising their gift lists just as fast. Heck, there's even an AI Santa Claus that can have a conversation with your kids. (Is that even safe? We're still trying to decide!) So we, in collaboration with several of our DigitalParenthood experts, wanted to do whatever we could to make your holiday season easier. As a parent, you need community, support, and resources to help you create safe online and offline environments for your kids. This gift guide serves as the latter—and our community of supportive parents and experts is always open to you at DigitalParenthood.com. Wishing you a happy, peaceful holiday season. Download your copy below ⬇️
