Photo by Ludovic Toinel, Unsplash.

As parents, many of us worry about how much time our children spend on their phones. I often get asked for practical advice. Here are four key steps that have proven effective in supporting kids to develop a healthier relationship with technology:

1. Build Trust Through Calm Conversations:
   • Avoid blaming or punishing. Start by listening and showing that you care.
   • Choose a quiet moment to talk and express your concern in a supportive way.
   • Understand what draws them to the phone whether it is gaming, social media, or simply boredom.
2. Set Clear Boundaries as a Family:
   • Lead by example by managing your own screen time.
   • Establish predictable routines for phone use, such as allowing it only after homework or during a specific time window.
   • Use parental control tools like Google Family Link or Screen Time to help reinforce the limits.
3. Offer Meaningful Alternatives:
   • Encourage hobbies that spark interest, such as sports, art, music, or cooking.
   • Introduce family activities that are genuinely fun and help reduce screen time naturally.
   • Keep devices out of bedrooms at night and create tech-free zones like the dinner table.
4. Reinforce Positive Progress and Seek Help When Needed:
   • Celebrate small successes when your child puts the phone away voluntarily.
   • Focus on positive reinforcement rather than punishment.
   • If you notice signs like social withdrawal, significant academic decline, or emotional distress, do not hesitate to reach out to a child psychologist.

Helping our kids manage their digital lives is less about strict control and more about guidance, empathy, and modeling the balance we want them to learn.