GENERAL PARENTING TIPS
There are some general paren�ng �ps that can help navigate a household that respects digital boundaries. Some of these can include: • Keeping phones and devices out of the bedroom. Sleep is important for growth and according to Dr. Ben Carter, 89% of adolescents have at least one device in their bedrooms – most of which are used around bed�me, doubling their chances of ge�ng insufficient sleep 1 . Sleep disturbance in childhood is known to have adverse effects on health, including poor diet, obesity, sedentary behavior, reduced immune func�on, and stunted growth . It has also been linked to mental health concerns 2 . • If possible, have a central charging sta�on for all portable digital devices. The kitchen table or island, living room, or another common area in your house is a great place to keep all household devices charged at night, including your own! By modeling digitally responsible behavior and se�ng an example for youth that you don’t need to sleep with your device(s), it helps children understand that they don’t need to either!
Photo by Driven by Décor. • Know their passwords – it is y our parental right. You paid for the device that you gave your child, which means…you guessed it! You own it! You have the right to spot- check devices that belong to you, including the ones that you gave your child. • Stay educated. If your child comes to you and asks to download an app that you’re unfamiliar with, download the app and try it out yourself first. Play around with it and do your research . If your child already has an app or game, ask them to teach you about it and how it works! • Put tape or a s�cky note/s�cker over the device camera when not in use.
1 Bed�me use of media devices more than doubles the risk of poor sleep in children -- ScienceDaily 2 Chi ldren and Sleep | Sleep Founda�on
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