February 2024: Strategies for tech use among kids and teens
Today's newsletter comes from Joe Tarantino, PhD, a licensed psychologist with Practice San Francisco specializing in therapy for adolescents and young adults. His focus areas include anxiety, depression, executive functioning difficulties, substance use, and the impact of technology on mental health. You can find Joe’s bio on our website, here!
To learn more about working with Joe for individual support,
please email us at hello@practicesanfrancisco.com!
Hi, Practice Families!
We know that tech and social media can be a hot button topic between parents and your tweens/teens! If you feel that screen time is sapping too much attention or replacing too much quality family time, here is a quick summary of the top six strategies for parents and caregivers, according to the 2023 U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health.
🌟 1. Craft or Update a Family Media Plan: Family media plans act as a roadmap for setting healthy technology boundaries at home via open conversations about screen time balance, content limits, and protecting personal information. Don’t want to build one from scratch? I don’t blame you! Head to AAP Family Media Plan for a thoughtful and practical tool to lead the way.
🏠 2. Designate Tech-Free Zones and Encourage In-Person Relationships: Consider restricting tech use for at least one hour before bedtime, keeping family meals and in-person gatherings device-free, and encouraging unstructured, screenless connections with others.
👨👩👧👦 3. Model Responsible Tech Use: Children often learn by observing those around them. Parents can set a good example of healthy tech use by limiting their own use, being conscious of when and how they share information about themselves and their children, and modeling positive online engagement with others.
🧠 4. Teach Responsible Use: Discuss the benefits and risks of technology, privacy concerns, and the importance of seeking help when needed. Sharing guidance from page 18 of the Surgeon General’s Advisory (mentioned above) is a good place to start.
🚫 5. Address Cyberbullying and Abuse: Talk to your child about cyberbullying reporting options, and provide kind, judgment-free support if they tell you that they are being harassed or that an adult has contacted them with inappropriate requests. Parents or children can report cyberbullying to their school, the online platform, and/or local law enforcement.
🤝 6. Collaborate with Fellow Parents: Work with other parents to establish shared norms and practices for responsible tech use. Creating a network of support not only fosters collective action but also makes it easier to set boundaries and encourage positive online behavior.
If you’re looking for more support, I’m happy to announce that I’ll be offering a parent webinar on supporting your tween or teen around technology and social media– sign up to join me live on Tuesday, February 13 (or to receive and watch the recording on delay!) to learn more about research-based best practices around tech and social media and how to support your tween/teen in managing screens and technology skillfully (and with minimal conflict!).
Note: A bonus parent-friendly resource list and the slides will also be provided along with the recording!
Regards,
Joe Tarantino, PhD
Licensed Psychologist CA PSY 33972
WEBINAR: Screen Time Strategies 💻
Guiding Thoughtful Tech Use
for Kids and Teens
$19.97
Are you a parent wishing you knew more about best practices with technology use for kids and teens? Join Practice San Francisco licensed psychologist Joe Tarantino, PhD (CA PSY 33972) for an insightful workshop designed to help you as parents learn more about how best to support your kids in managing screens and technology skillfully (and with minimal conflict!).
During this webinar, you will:
Gain an understanding of what existing research and mental health and tech experts suggest as best practices around technology use and screen time for kids and teens.
Explore effective strategies to guide healthy tech use for your kids.
Gain valuable insights to empower your parenting approach in the digital age.
Note: A bonus parent-friendly resource list will also be provided along with the recording!
