The Slow Tech Movement: Digital Mindfulness for Families | Janell Burley Hofmann | 1 Min Read

The Slow Tech Movement: Digital Mindfulness for Families | Janell Burley Hofmann | 1 Min Read

In a hyperconnected world, we all love and need our technology. It’s become a central tool we rely on, so what’s all the talk about Slow Tech when we need our tech fast and efficient? Slow Tech doesn’t mean no tech. It means using technology mindfully and with purpose. It’s a philosophy that bridges conscious living and authenticity together with technology and our familial value systems. Slow Tech Living is an integration of our tech and our humanness. It values process, mentorship, intention, and allows space for play and joy.

Slow Tech Parenting is about fostering real, personal connections and positive experiences in our daily rounds both on and away from the screens. It includes education, communication, awareness, and boundaries to enhance the relationship and experiences online for parents, caregivers, and children. Slow Tech encourages parents and caregivers to take their time introducing tech so there can be practice, process, and learning. Slow Tech is for all ages, encouraging healthy boundaries and fun. Want to give it a try? Try some of these Slow Tech Challenges for the whole family. 

Slow Tech Challenges:

  1. Set a family tech curfew each night & see if everyone can stick to it!
  1. Challenge your family to enjoy device-free meals.
  1. Make your car rides device free.
  1. Get together with another family for a device-free visit.
  1. Make some space for outdoor play — even if it’s cold!
  1. Try a new board game.
  1. Drop Everything and Read A Book!
  1. Drop Everything and (Video) Game! Let your child teach you a (mobile, PC, or console) game they love.
  1. Wake up to an alarm clock and enjoy some time in the morning device free.
  1. Listen to a podcast for the whole family.
  1. FaceTime a family member or friend who you’ve been meaning to connect with.
  1. Find a YouTube channel that interests everyone and see what you can learn together.
  1. Create a family mission statement on what it means to be “Tech Healthy”.
  1. Get some rest! Take a nap, go to bed early, lounge around, enjoy some space that may otherwise be filled with screen time.
  1. Play with picture apps, filters, and editing tools to make your photos fun, silly, or fancier than before.

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Janell Burley Hofmann

Janell Burley Hofmann is an international author, speaker and consultant specializing on the topics of technology, media, health, relationships and well-being. Janell is the creator of the original iPhone contract and a thought leader in the space of digital mindfulness, digital parenting and intentional use of tech. She is the author of the book, iRules: What Every Tech-Healthy Family Needs to Know About Selfies, Sexting, Gaming and Growing Up published by Rodale, Inc. Janell is the founder of the Slow Tech Movement and iRules Academy. Janell has worked on four continents across diverse demographics, cultures, religions, and socioeconomics. Sensitive to the needs of each community, Janell works with schools, youth, families, educators, and organizations while offering private coaching and consulting sessions. Janell’s professional expertise and personal experience as a mother of five children builds strong connections with a wide and varied population. Janell engages readers, clients and audiences in relevant and meaningful conversations igniting personal empowerment, awareness and purpose in a partnership that will positively impact all. Janell’s academic background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and Media Studies, a Master’s Degree in Critical and Creative Thinking and she is currently working towards her licensure in mental health counseling. Her featured talks include two-time TEDx presenter, SxSW, YPO Southeast Asia Summit, Peace Corp Workshop Leader, Homecoming Day Nagoya University, Nagoya Japan, YPO Middle East Tour, Women2Women International Summit and MIT Strata Center. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Good Morning America, USA Today, National Public Radio, BBC News and The Associated Press.

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