WT 339: Technology and Your Kids
Technology is increasingly a part of every aspect of today's world and there is so much to navigate! From gaming to social media to smartphones and everything in between, today Karen is answering questions about how to set boundaries and how to think about the technology we allow into our homes and into our kids' lives.
Mentioned on today’s episode:
GABB Wireless - safe phones for kids
Wire Talk episode 116 with expert Tom Shefchunas
Right Now Media - video library for kids
Good Pictures, Bad Pictures (book about pornography for ages 6-11)
Good Pictures, Bad Pictures JR. (ages 3-6)
Question 1: We are planning to gift our boys (8 and 10) a game system for Christmas this year. What are some good ground rules we should have in place when we do?
Karen’s Answer: I would set it up from the beginning that the gaming system is not available any and every time they want to play. You can set the guidelines, my suggestions are:
After homework and chores are done
Limit the amount of time they do play, set a timer
On the weekends, limit the amount of time. Make sure it is a good balance with outdoor activities and family time.
Question 2: When is the right time for my 14 year old daughter to have social media? She’s already “the last girl in school” to not have it!! (Seems like that would be exaggerating, but it seems true from what I can tell!)
Karen’s Answer: Honestly, I would hold off as long as possible. Social media, especially for a girl, is only going to make her feel worse about herself. Moms, think about it. Even when I scroll, at 57 years old, I walk away feeling like I’m not doing enough. Now replace me as a grown fairly grounded woman with a teenage insecure girl. (all teen girls are insecure in some way) How do you think this will affect her? It’s really more than just having a social media account. Ask God for wisdom and for sure have a conversation with your daughter about the dangers and why you are trying to protect her heart.
Question 3: What are your thoughts on when is the right time to give kids a phone nowadays? Is it inevitable that they have one in middle school?
Karen’s Answer: It’s really not inevitable they have one in middle school. I would think they need a phone by 16 or when they start to drive. That is when it is most important. When you do decide to let them have one, please put up some boundaries around the phone. Get ready, it starts lots of conversations and arguments.
Question 4: My kids become little monsters when they watch TV in the mornings, but with two toddlers and a nursing baby, I find myself giving in to buy a moment’s peace. How can I change this habit?
Karen’s Answer: What if you didn’t let them watch tv until they are fully dressed, teeth brushed, breakfast eaten, etc and then if there is time left they can watch tv until it’s time to go to school? TV was always the last thing I let my kids do and that way they would get ready quickly because they wanted to squeeze in a show.
Question 5: Did your kids deal with the phone thing in middle school/high school? What are some good house rules and/or guidelines for parents to have in place when we give a phone to a child?
Karen’s Answer: My kids did have phone issues in middle school and high school. Back in the day, when you paid for your minutes if you went over, Kelsey had a hefty bill because she went WAY over. Emily was caught in class in high school texting a friend, and had to stay after school. Abby didn’t get a smart phone until her Jr year I think. Taylor ended up turning in his smart phone for a regular phone because he said it was too tempting with looking at things he shouldn’t. We had our struggles for sure.
Guidelines: (some of these I did and others I wish I had done)
Limit the amount of time the kids are on the phone
No phones at the dinner table
Phones charge in mom and dad’s room at night
Phone is privilege and is the property of mom and dad , it can be taken away at anytime
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