Simple Tech Rules Every Family Should Talk About
– By #Midstate IT Team
Phones, tablets, gaming systems and laptops are a regular part of family life. Kids use them for school, entertainment, games and staying connected with friends.
But with so much time spent online, it can be difficult for parents to know where to draw the line.
The National Cybersecurity Alliance recently shared several family tech rules worth considering. There isn't one set of rules that will work for every household, but setting a few clear expectations can help kids develop safer and healthier technology habits.
Here are a few good places to start.
Keep Devices Out of Bedrooms at Night
Consider creating a family charging station in the kitchen, living room or another shared space.
Keeping phones and tablets out of bedrooms overnight can reduce late-night scrolling and messaging while giving everyone a chance to disconnect. And yes, this rule can apply to parents too!
Keep Some Screen Time in Shared Spaces
When possible, encourage kids to use gaming systems, computers and tablets in common areas of the house.
You don't have to watch every click. Simply being nearby makes it easier to know what kids are doing online and gives them an opportunity to ask questions when something doesn't seem right.
Ask Before Downloading
A new game or app might look harmless, but it can include messaging, purchases, location sharing or other features parents aren't expecting.
Make it a family rule to ask before downloading something new. Take a few minutes to look at the app together, see what information it collects and check its privacy settings.
Keep Personal Information Personal
Kids should understand that information such as their full name, phone number, address, school, location and daily routine shouldn't be shared with people they meet online.
That includes online games. Someone your child regularly plays a game with is still someone they may never have met in real life.
Talk About Online Red Flags
One of the best online safety tools isn't an app or setting. It's conversation.
Talk with your kids about things they may encounter online, including scams, cyberbullying, strangers asking personal questions or someone asking them to move a conversation to another app.
Most importantly, make sure they know they can come to you when something online makes them uncomfortable or just doesn't seem right.
Set the Example
Kids notice our technology habits too.
Putting phones away during meals, taking breaks from screens and unplugging before bedtime can make family technology rules feel less like rules for the kids and more like habits for everyone.
Technology Changes. The Conversation Should Continue.
You don't have to understand every new app, game or social media platform your kids use.
What matters is creating an environment where they know there are boundaries, understand why those boundaries exist and feel comfortable asking for help.
The National Cybersecurity Alliance has put together additional family technology recommendations and online safety resources for parents. We encourage families to take a few minutes to review their suggestions and decide which rules make sense in their own homes.
Want a little more control over your home Wi-Fi?
Midstate Managed Wi-Fi gives families tools through the CommandIQ app that can help manage their home network, including creating schedules, pausing internet access and managing connected devices.
Have questions about your home Wi-Fi? Call or text Midstate Communications at 605-778-6221.
Last Modified:
