7 Family Tech Tips for the New Year

The best digital rules are the ones your kids understand and help create. Sit down together and review your family's tech agreement – or create one if you haven't yet! [Check out our tech agreement template for kids here or for teens here]. If you already have an agreement, talk about what worked last year and what didn't. ​​

When both parents and kids sign the agreement, it becomes more than just a set of rules - it's a shared commitment to using technology wisely, showing kids they're trusted to make good choices while helping them understand the importance of keeping their promises.

Setting up screen time schedules is all about finding what fits your family's unique rhythm. Map out your typical day, paying special attention to key moments like mornings, homework time, and especially bedtime. That last hour before sleep should always be screen-free - it's one of the most important habits you can build.

Use Ohana to automatically set devices to different modes throughout the day - Focus Mode during homework time keeps educational apps available while limiting distractions, and Locked Mode during bedtime ensures a good night's sleep while keeping essential apps accessible. When these transitions happen automatically, they become part of your daily routine rather than feeling like restrictions.

Phones and tablets are part of our kids' lives, and that's perfectly okay! Help your kids understand when it's time for entertainment and when devices should be tools for learning and creating. Set specific times for fun activities like games and videos - maybe it's an hour after homework or on weekend mornings.

Outside these "fun times," encourage them to discover how technology can help them learn new skills, from digital art to coding. When kids see their devices as tools for growth and creativity, not just entertainment, they naturally develop a healthier relationship with technology.

Creating tech-free spaces can make a huge difference in family connection. Start with the obvious one - bedrooms should be phone-free zones at night, no exceptions. Set up a family charging station in the living room or kitchen where all devices "sleep" at night. The dinner table is another perfect tech-free zone, giving everyone a chance to share their day without distractions. Maybe add the first hour after school too - it's a great time for snacks, unwinding, and catching up. When everyone follows the same rules, including parents, these device-free moments become natural parts of your day.

Building bridges to your kid’s online life starts with genuine curiosity. Instead of viewing their digital activities with worry, show interest in what they enjoy. Ask them to show you their favorite games or explain why they love certain apps. You can also use Ohana's activity insights as conversation starters - you might discover new apps you can ask your kid about.

This open approach helps you understand their online world better and makes them more likely to come to you with questions or concerns. Set aside time regularly to explore their digital world together - both the fun stuff and any challenges they might face.

Let's be honest - screen time can be a challenge for everyone in the family. Turn this into an opportunity for growth together. Have an open conversation where everyone, including parents, can share their struggles with digital habits. Maybe kids notice parents checking work emails during family time, or parents see kids getting cranky after too much gaming. When everyone acknowledges their challenges, it's easier to work on solutions together.

Try setting family improvement goals with rewards for success - if your kid sticks to their screen time limits for a month, plan a special reward. And if parents break the no-phones-at-dinner rule? Maybe that means a fun activity of the kids' choice!

Change happens one day at a time, so plan regular moments to disconnect and enjoy life beyond screens. Make unplugging something to look forward to! Pick one day each month for your family's offline adventure. Fill it with activities everyone enjoys - maybe a hiking trip, board game marathon, baking session, or craft project.

The key is choosing activities that bring your family together and make these breaks feel special, not like a punishment. You might be surprised to find everyone looking forward to these screen-free adventures together.

Here's to a year of healthier, happier digital habits for your family!