How to Build Healthy Digital Habits: 5 Tips for Families

When it comes to helping your children build healthy digital habits, you may not know where to start. Here are some helpful tips from the AAP's Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health that can make a big difference for your family.

Build a Family Media Plan

• Work together to set rules about social media use so you and your children agree on how devices fit into your lives. Use our Family Media Plan tool to customize these rules for your family.
  

Balance family time & screen time

• Create screen-free times and places in your home (such as meals and bedtime).

• Set do-not-disturb times on devices and media time limits.

• Track online activities and talk about which ones may be problematic.

• Plan regular screen-free activities your family enjoys.

• Make a habit of turning off media that isn't in use. Try music if you need ambient noise.

Talk about social media

• Start regular, open-minded conversations with your children (even the youngest ones!) about their social media use, and yours.
  

• Ask questions like:

• What do you like about social media platforms?

• How do you feel when you're on social media? And when I'm on social media?

• Have you seen anything concerning?

• Help children understand:

• What's real and what's edited.

• How to recognize ads or inappropriate content.

• How media and emotions connect.

• Make sure your kids know they can come to you about their experiences online.

Set a good example

• Include your own habits in discussions about social media usage.

• When your attention is on your device, tell your kids what you're doing.

• Be kind to others online and talk to your kids about how you are using media for good.
  

Optimize your family's online experience

• Choose quality content to use together as a family.

• Know which platforms are age- and content-appropriate for your children.

• Set and follow safety rules for who we can chat with online.

• Set privacy settings at the most secure level.

• Watch for warning signs, like if your child is:

• Withdrawing from social interaction and hobbies.

• Letting screen time interfere with physical activity, healthy eating or bedtime.
  

Remember

If you're concerned about your child's social media usage or mental health, talk with your pediatrician.

More Information

• Social Media & Your Child's Mental Health: What the Research Says
  

• Constantly Connected: How Media Use Can Affect Your Child
  

• Parents of Young Children: Why Your Screen Time Matters, Too
  
  

Funding for the National Center of Excellence on Social Media and Mental Wellness was made possible by Grant No. SM087180 from SAMHSA of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, SAMHSA/HHS or the US Government. Center of Excellence on Social Media and Mental Wellbeing (SMMW CoE). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, SAMHSA/HHS or the US Government.