Not all screen time is created equal. The more we, and our kids, use screen time for good, the better. Today is “Giving Tuesday” which is a great time to think about the small things we can do online to support the endeavors of our friends, families, and people in communities near and far. Yes, there are wonderful things we can do with financial donations, and that is crucial—but I want to focus on what we can do with our kids that uses the power of tech to do good that does not require money.
One thing we can do is support businesses or social causes through tech with acts such as posting reviews on Yelp, giving stars and sharing recommendations. Having moved back recently to Seattle, I was so happy to see that the little café down the street from me, Fat Ducks, is still going strong. The owner is an incredible baker, and she is always working so hard to make everyone’s cafe experience enjoyable. It felt great to share her cafe with others online by giving her and her cafe a good review on Yelp. I made sure to include specific reasons why I like it so much because I know I like examples when I look at reviews. I did not expect it, but one day when I stopped in for some outstanding carrot cake, the owner thanked me for posting a review. I also love sharing links to friends’ work, such as their online talks, published books and articles.
I remind myself to involve my kids in these tiny acts. For example, if we go to a local Vietnamese Pho cafe, I will say, “Hey let's do a rating on this.” When they read books they like, we talk about how writing a review can help the author’s work be appreciated by more readers.
For this TTT, here are some questions to start a conversation:
As well as our weekly blog, we publish videos like this one every week on the Screenagers YouTube channel
Not all screen time is created equal. The more we, and our kids, use screen time for good, the better. Today is “Giving Tuesday” which is a great time to think about the small things we can do online to support the endeavors of our friends, families, and people in communities near and far. Yes, there are wonderful things we can do with financial donations, and that is crucial—but I want to focus on what we can do with our kids that uses the power of tech to do good that does not require money.
One thing we can do is support businesses or social causes through tech with acts such as posting reviews on Yelp, giving stars and sharing recommendations. Having moved back recently to Seattle, I was so happy to see that the little café down the street from me, Fat Ducks, is still going strong. The owner is an incredible baker, and she is always working so hard to make everyone’s cafe experience enjoyable. It felt great to share her cafe with others online by giving her and her cafe a good review on Yelp. I made sure to include specific reasons why I like it so much because I know I like examples when I look at reviews. I did not expect it, but one day when I stopped in for some outstanding carrot cake, the owner thanked me for posting a review. I also love sharing links to friends’ work, such as their online talks, published books and articles.
I remind myself to involve my kids in these tiny acts. For example, if we go to a local Vietnamese Pho cafe, I will say, “Hey let's do a rating on this.” When they read books they like, we talk about how writing a review can help the author’s work be appreciated by more readers.
For this TTT, here are some questions to start a conversation:
As well as our weekly blog, we publish videos like this one every week on the Screenagers YouTube channel
I often talk about using tech (laptops, phones, etc.) as a tool, treat, or talking device. An effective way to model screen-time choices is to say out loud in front of your kids when you are using a device as a tool, treat, or talking device. As we enter summertime, I have been reflecting on the creation of family memories and that when we shake up things, we stack the cards in favor of lasting memories. Using tech in clever ways can help make memories. Today, I share some fun ideas for summer activities.
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Our unique Tech-Free Gift Guide offers a refreshing escape from digital overload, presenting a handpicked selection of imaginative gifts. From culinary adventures and creative arts to educational magazines and physical activities, we emphasize experiences that foster family bonding, creativity, and healthy habits. The guide includes community-building ideas like mural painting and beekeeping, encouraging children and teens to engage in enriching, screen-free activities while creating lasting memories and developing new skills.
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My team and I have been bustling behind the scenes, thinking up new episodes for the Screenagers Podcast and new posts for my weekly Tech Talk Tuesday Blog. Your input at this time would be FANTASTIC! What topics do you want covered? Do your kids have ideas for topics?
READ MORE >for more like this, DR. DELANEY RUSTON'S NEW BOOK, PARENTING IN THE SCREEN AGE, IS THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE FOR TODAY’S PARENTS. WITH INSIGHTS ON SCREEN TIME FROM RESEARCHERS, INPUT FROM KIDS & TEENS, THIS BOOK IS PACKED WITH SOLUTIONS FOR HOW TO START AND SUSTAIN PRODUCTIVE FAMILY TALKS ABOUT TECHNOLOGY AND IT’S IMPACT ON OUR MENTAL WELLBEING.
