All About Tech - Digital Boundaries for Families

In this episode Jared Jones and Teresa Haskins talk about practical digital boundaries for families. Together, they explore how parents can thoughtfully guide their children’s use of technology while maintaining connection and preparing them for adulthood.

Teresa shares research-informed recommendations for screen use across developmental stages, including limiting screen exposure in early childhood, capping recreational screen time in elementary years, delaying smartphones until high school when possible, and postponing social media until around age sixteen. She emphasizes that these are ideals, not measures of parental success, and encourages families to make thoughtful, intentional decisions based on their unique circumstances.

A central theme of the episode is the idea of a family reset. Rather than taking an all-or-nothing approach, Teresa encourages parents to begin by examining their own screen habits, having open conversations about the kind of family culture they want, and gradually introducing healthy limits such as screen-free mealtimes. She highlights the importance of collaboration, preparation, and empathy, especially since children’s developing brains are wired for immediate reward and may struggle with emotional regulation during changes.

Parents are reminded that reducing screen time must be paired with increased connection. Boundaries alone are not enough. Families need shared experiences, conversation, and intentional time together to replace what screens once filled.

Resources:

• Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family: How to Navigate a Media-Saturated World--and Why We Should by The Plugged In Staff (link) 
• Plugged In Website (link)
• The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt (link)

Thank you for spending this time with us. We invite you to pause and reflect on one small step you can take toward greater health this week. Growth rarely happens all at once. It unfolds in steady, intentional choices.

If you would like support in your own journey, our team at Care to Change is here to walk alongside you. You can learn more about our services, intensives, and resources at caretochange.org.

Until next time, take care of your mind, tend to your relationships, and remember that meaningful change is possible.