Tech Healthy Habits for Back To School | Janell Burley Hofmann | 2 Min Read

Tech Healthy Habits for Back To School | Janell Burley Hofmann | 2 Min Read

Many families across the country have started back to school. The new school year is often a time of planning, preparation and hope. In the past two school years, every family has faced challenges and overcome obstacles like never before. But, everyone is eager to be learning, playing and growing together again. While school communities are implementing a safe and smart start to the new year, parents and caregivers are also working towards a fresh and healthy beginning for their children and teens. 

One major component on the minds of families is screens, Internet use, and technology. In the past few years, our learners have needed their screens like never before. Parents and caregivers have relied on the education, connection, entertainment, and play technology provided, while also understanding that some screen habits have been out of balance or overused. This leaves families needing support to move forward with a positive and mindful plan for tech this school year. 

  1. Check The Foundation: When thinking about tech use, it’s always important to go back to the basics. Does the way your family uses screens match your values? Does screen use in your home feel aligned with your children’s ages and stages of development? Integrate tech use in the same way you nurture other healthy habits and behaviors like nutrition, physical activity and social dynamics. 
Tip: Create a family values statement to support your definition of healthy tech use. 
  1. Reflect on the Tech: It’s easy to become overwhelmed by our technology. Often we don’t stop to think about the aspects of technology that we enjoy or are beneficial. Instead we only focus on the negative components and it leaves us feeling anxious and depleted. Spend time thinking about the way your family engages with screens and build your expectations and boundaries from there. 
Tip: Assess what’s working (tech positive) and what isn’t working (tech challenges) to design a plan that works for your family. 
  1. Tech Talk: Don’t be afraid to talk about tech in the same way you would talk about any other aspect of parenting and family life. Ask questions and engage to learn more about what your children are using, how it works and why they like it. Also, discuss tech expectations with your partner, co-parent or anyone providing care so everyone gets comfortable Talkin’ Tech. 
Tip: Set regular…
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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.