Twelve Corners Middle School

Five Strategies to Build Healthy Digital Habits

1. Reduce Screen Time & Increase Digital Technology Boundaries:

Reducing screen time at home will help students adjust to the school cell phone restrictions
Set tech-free zones (bedrooms, in the car) and times (before school, during meals, 1 hour before bed, or a weekly tech-free day).
Create an after-school schedule with clear device rules (e.g., 30 minutes of homework, then 10-minute device break) and keep phones out of reach - it’s too tempting!
Allow screen time only after responsibilities… It’s a privilege, not a right!
Create a family media plan to guide healthy screen use.

2. Replace Digital Technology Use with Other Activities:

Your child may need support with filling the time at first!
Build tolerance for boredom & lower stimulation over time
Brainstorm non-screen activities with your child:
- Reading, crafts, getting outside, going out for a meal with friends, quality family time, board games, music, etc.
- Consider what activities screen time is currently “crowding out”

3. Set Limits & Stay Strong

Anticipate the distressed response:
- Stick to the plan, tolerate their distress, pushback will fade, new routine stays
- Avoid exceptions to rules in the first few weeks
Don’t get roped into a debate:
- State limit, validate their feelings, hold firm with limit, disengage
  - Example: “There is no screentime after 9 pm. I hear you want to talk with friends and you’re angry that you can’t.”
- Don’t feel guilty! Your child may say something like... “None of my friends have limits on their video games!” “All my friends have TikTok!”
- Stay firm-Your boundaries are there to keep them safe and healthy

4. Be Curious & Create Open-Minded Communication:

- AAP’s conversation starters can help with talking about digital technology & healthy media usage with your child

5. Model Healthy Screen Time Boundaries:

Reflect on how much you may be on your own devices in your child’s presence
Efforts to change your child’s digital technology use will be more effective if you also model healthy boundaries