With back to school in full swing, I’m focusing on the mobile device struggle that I have openly shared here before with my girls. That struggle is how my girls have become more reliant on their iPads as they are growing up. It seems that what started out a few years back as a fun way for my pre-school age kids to learn their letters, numbers and more has turned into a way for both now elementary school aged girls to escape reality with games, YouTube videos, and more.
While I tried to keep iPad usage down this past summer, I also was more lax at times. But for back to school, I am reminding my kids of some basic rules for their mobile devices. I also am confident that this struggle isn’t just in our home after conversing with other moms of kids.
So, I am sharing some ways to help monitor, as well as to help them be more responsible with their mobile device usage.
1. Define Clear Cut Limits/Times of Usage –
I have discussed this before. But there are most definitely times, when kids shouldn’t use their mobile devices. These times include meal or family time. But also, I don’t want my own kids on their devices before they are going to school. Plus, I don’t want them on their mobile devices during homework or bed time. So, I feel it is necessary to lay out the times when their mobile devices are definitely off limits. I also make sure to set limits on how much time they are allowed to be on these devices.
2. Be flexible When Need Be –
Still, I can also be flexible when responding to my kids behaviors or needs. For instance, if I notice that my kids are grumpy, tired and just over-stimulated. This is when I’d be more inclined to limit their time with their iPads. Still there might be other times, as well. This includes when they have very little homework, have completed all chores, and/or overall just behaving appropriately. At times like these conversely, I’d allow them an extra 20-30 minutes of iPad time as a reward for good behavior.
3. Allow for School Work –
I mentioned that when my kids were younger, I allowed them to use iPads or other mobile technology. This was to help them learn the basics, such as counting and letters. I still encourage my own kids now to use these types of devices if it helps them with a specific topic for school or even a homework assignment. See as much as we can fight using technology. We also can’t deny that that these mobile devices can be more helpful than detrimental in helping young kids with learning. For these times, I am there to monitor what my own kids are finding in these types of searches.
4. Monitor Mobile Devices with LifeLock –
Again, a big key with kids using mobile devices is being a responsible parent. In being accountable, I not only make sure to do all that I have shared above so far. But also empower my children to become smart digital citizens in an increasingly connected world. See I monitor and keep an open line of communication with their mobile device usage. But how exactly do I do this? I do this by creating a Smart Talk agreement with my kids. Because this allows me to put our family internet rules in writing. What is The Smart Talk? The Smart Talk was created by National PTA and LifeLock. It is a free, online tool. It also helps families set ground rules for technology use. Plus it promotes having open, ongoing conversations about online safety and responsibility.
How does The Smart Talk work? The Smart Talk is a contractual agreement in nature. It engages kids and parents in an interactive experience, leading them through a guided conversation about online safety and privacy; screen time; apps and downloads; texting and calling; and social media and respect. This tool creates a printable contract to hold the parent and child accountable.
Can The Smart Talk be changed or modified? Yes! See the Smart Talk can be revisited over time to keep the conversation going. Plus, it evolves as your kids age and even as technology changes. So there you have it. Four easy ways to help with back to school and mobile device usage with you kids.
[Tweet “Get help setting limits for mobile devices for #backtoschool w/ @LifeLock #TheSmartTalk #CG”]
How will you set limits with your kids, mobile devices and back to school?
Will you Create a Smart Talk agreement with your child for back to school?
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Meredith Spidel says
Smart tips! And needed! Things have gotten better with back to school, but we definitely need to get some clear expectations for screen time in place. Appreciate this–perfect timing!
Janine says
Aw, my pleasure and I know with back to school we were most definitely in need, as well!!
William Holland says
Great tips, Janine! Thank God they don’t apply to me. LOL Happy Monday!
Janine says
Thanks Bill and Happy Monday to you, too!! 🙂
kathy radigan says
Thanks for these great tips!!! The one thing I insist on is no devices at the table, and no devices in the car. Also homework first. I will say that I do love how certain apps and videos have really brought my three kids, whose ages are far apart, 17, 14 and 11. They find things that each other loves and enjoy it together. But it is a struggle to get them to put their devices down. But it’s also a struggle for me!! Lol!
Janine says
Thank you Kathy and I know the struggle is real and alive. So, just happy I can share what is helping us now with you, too 🙂
Gingi says
Great post! Today is the FIRST DAY of our homeschool preschool, and hubby and I are already having the talk over what we need to allow or not allow for screen time and phone play.. –
Janine says
Thanks Gingi and I agree that this is just something that is current and needs to be addressed in many homes now, too.
Amanda Love says
I need to use a few of these tips myself. My kids all have cell phones except for Madison and I have to admit that I don’t set limits. I need to, especially during the school week. I’ve heard a lot about LifeLock but have never thought about using it. I’ll have to look into it more.
Janine says
Glad you are going to look into LifeLock and agree that this is an essential step and help for school weeks with kids and mobile devices, too.
Aunt Gloria says
Great idea Janine. Technology is here to stay so it’s good to set guidelines and limits and get the best of it all! Love to all……xxoo
Janine says
Thanks Aunt Gloria and love to you, too!! xoxo
Marina @ Parental Journey says
I love the tips! My daughter is still little, but something to think about. And being flexible is definitely important!
Janine says
Glad that I gave you some food for thought and agree about being flexible, too!!
Cynthia says
First, I should get Lifelock, lol.
Second, the mobile device thing and kids is an interesting topic/debate. I LOVE my devices! Hehe. But I never thought about kids using them until I taught at a school that highly discouraged their use until middle school. Apparently the CEO of Google and Bill Gates did the same with their kiddos.
Now, in my after school, the kids use iPads, BUT, they are not allowed to “just play” on them: they are for homework and “club” use only – “club” meaning they can use them to “play music” in music club or for graphic arts design club.
In any case, I love this post and hope you’re well on this fine Tuesday morning. 🙂
Janine says
Aw, thanks again Cyndi and I know definitely gives food for thought as their are times that iPads and mobile device usage is a plus, but then there are still others times that they aren’t. So, glad to pass along this option for when it isn’t ideal for kids to be on their devices still. Hope you too are enjoying your Tuesday morning, as well 🙂
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom says
These are great tips! I love that contract agreement. Children take things so much more seriously when it’s put in writing. We drafted up our rules as a family and I was stunned at how often my youngest daughter references it (even when she’s breaking the rules). lol
Thanks for sharing!
xoxo
Janine says
Thanks Jennifer and I agree seeing and hearing it in writing does help so much. I love that your own daughter does reference back to what you also put in writing 😉 xoxo
Jen says
Ugh, around here it is the Kindle, and it is such a battle! I really need to look into LifeLock, it might be time. Thanks for your tips and “May the force be with us” as we try to keep this all monitored:)
Janine says
Aw, Jen I got my fingers crossed that the force will indeed be with us both now on keeping our kids monitored on their devices!! 🙂
The Geeky Mama says
Great tips and am definitely going to be trying this out in my own home! Thank you so much for sharing with the #happynowlinkup!!
Janine says
Happy to share and glad you can use this in your home now, too!! 🙂
Kenya G. Johnson says
The first iPad came out when Christopher was five and I swear it was a lifesaver sometimes to keep him occupied while I did something else. His own personal device though is a Kindle Fire and at first I had the wifi disconnect at a certain time when he should be sleep. We made a verbal trust agreement about responsibility over the summer and what’s inappropriate to look at etc. I like the idea of the LifeLock agreement.
Janine says
Love that you and Christopher had a verbal agreement and sounds like you were onto something, as it is very similar to LifeLock’s concept.
Rea says
This is very important! Reiko has been spending so much time playing games in the computer. Sometimes he would watch YouTube on my phone. He does know when it’s time for me to work and use the computer but sometimes would be whiny before giving up. Rules are definitely important. Haven’t thought of some type of a contract yet though. I’ll see if it works for him at this age. Thanks for sharing!
Janine says
So glad to share and hope it does work out with Reiko now, too!! 🙂
Camille says
Smart tips… Every parents should know this.
Janine says
Thanks Camille!! 🙂
Diane Roark says
Hey LADY,
I totally agree with your Mobile device rules. As parents, we have to set some guidelines for our kids.
I always love seeing your girls pictures. What cuties! You will cherish this first day of school pics for a lifetime.
Blessings,
Diane
Janine says
Aw, thanks again so much my sweet friend for always being so kind to me and also for your shares, too! Hugs <3
Christine Carter says
Again, you offer such great wisdom and advice on such an important part of all our lives- and especially in parenting our kids in this digital age. SO good Janine. And this smart talk sounds really useful. I need to look into doing this once my boy gets online. I worry more about that guy than my girl! LOL
Janine says
I love Smart Talk, Chris and honestly as soon as I heard about it knew I had to try out and also share here for all my readers as it is just a brilliant way to help in this day and age with mobile usage for all kids!
Bev says
We let Eve watch PBS videos on our tablet occasionally and I’ve noticed her asking for it more and more lately. It’s amazing how quickly that privilege becomes something they want to do all the time! I like the idea of coming up with an agreement together as she gets older. Thanks for sharing!
Janine says
Happy to share and hope you can use for Eve as she is getting older now, too!! 🙂
Rabia @ The Liebers says
My kids think I”m evil that I don’t let them inline on school nights. But I don’t monitor it that much on weekends, so that’s the trade off. My daughter just got her first cell phone and we’re learning the ropes and rules on that one now.
Janine says
I am dreading the first cell phone here and I am just glad that there are things out there, such this to help when that time comes here, as well now.