Finally! Messaging directed at kids!
✓ Pick one of our favorite resources to jump start a conversation about tech with your child.
Conversations about tech need to be as plentiful as the devices themselves. No matter where you are on the tech journey - whether waiting, just getting started, or already deep in the weeds - it's never too late to start talking about tech.
Sometimes it's hard to know how to start. Below, you will find our favorite resources to read and watch with your child to start conversations about tech. These resources offer another voice that can help support your family's decisions around tech - while also directly empowering your child to become a more informed consumer!
Talking about keeping tech in check
Finally a compelling resource directed at kids! The Amazing Generation, an engaging book by Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price, empowers tweens to develop a healthier relationship with tech. It includes powerful info about tech design and real-life anecdotes from young adults who want to help the next generation avoid making the same mistakes they did. It is relevant no matter what level of access to tech your child has.
The Kids Brains & Screens home edition from ScreenStrong (for ages 10+) is an excellent resource to help kids understand how digital tech impacts their developing brain and why it's important to set limits. The book covers many topics relating to tech use - from video games and social media to dopamine and persuasive design - as well as what in-real-life nutrients are the most important.
Both of these books are great for kids to read on their own or co-read with a parent. A great way to spread their educational value is to create an informal book club with your child's friends to read and discuss either book together. You can also consider donating either of these books to your child's classroom teacher, school librarian, or local public library - while asking them to consider adding these books to their recommended reading lists!
Talking about delaying smartphones
A 1 min public service announcement by Smartphone Free Childhood US, "Let's Change the Norm. Together" highlights the ridiculous pressures and responsibilities placed on children by smartphones. Watching this with your child helps them understand why you're making important decisions that protect their childhood!
This 1 min video montage depicts the reality of what happens after a tween girl gets a smartphone too young. This video helps show your child why you don't want them to have a smartphone yet. And why they should go ride a bike instead!
10 min video for ages 10-13 - This video from the UK is directed at tweens and is all about why it's advantageous to delay smartphones until age 14 (and social media until age 16). Watch it with your child – it’s short, punchy, and informative.
Talking about social media
Resources to help explain to your child WHY you’re saying “not yet” to social media apps like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and Discord. And for those already on these platforms, content that makes them think critically about their social media use.
Dino Ambrosi’s Ted Talk (11 min, 2023, ages 11+). An empowering message for young people to think carefully about how you can waste your precious time on social media.
After co-watching, use this screen time calculator to see how even a couple hours of screen time each day adds up to a jaw-dropping amount of one's lifetime!
We highly recommend Wait Until 8th’s Social Media Conversation Guide! Print pages 1-6 to talk through with your child all the reasons you’re delaying and feel concerned about social media. And then pages 7-10 outline helpful boundaries, ground rules, and check-in prompts you can use if your teen is ready for social media.
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