Tech Habits for
Family Flourishing
SMALL CHANGES = BIG DIFFERENCE
Limiting screens for your family doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Numerous studies have found that even relatively small cuts make a really noticeable difference — and these differences often have lasting effects.
TECHNOLOGY TIPS
Envision Together
Reflect and be honest about the negative effects, and imagine together what could be different if you made changes.
Plan Ahead
Opt out of smartphones and social media for as long as possible.
Use Tech to Limit Tech
Utilize digital minimalism options like guarded routers (Gryphon), minimalist phones (Pinwheel) and lockdown apps and devices (Brick) to limit the content and time spent on screens.
Start Simple
When devices are necessary, choose the simplest device that meets current needs.
Create Boundaries
Create “yes” and “no” zones and times for devices.
Shush the Settings
Turn off all the “dings” and notifications that pull attention away from the present moment.
Focus on the Trade
What is the trade you want to make to promote the flourishing of your child and family? Time in nature is a great exchange!
CREATING A FAMILY TECH RULE
Thoughtful limits on technology create more space for what matters most. Consider simple boundaries for you or your family.
Create “Yes” and “No” Zones
What places would you like to be device-free? IDEAS:
• No devices at the family meal table.
• Make bedrooms screen-free.
• Charge phones outside the bedroom at night.
• Use devices only in shared areas of the house.
Create “Yes” and “No” Times
What times would you like to be device-free? IDEAS:
• Phone-free for the first and last hours of the day.
• Put phones away during meals or family time.
• Use a computer during work or school if needed but silence the phone.
• Take one day a week as a “Sabbath” screen break (for example, Sunday).
Intentionally Reduce Content
What content robs your time, attention or energy? IDEAS:
• Close one or more social media accounts.
• Limit certain content (news, sports scores, stock updates).
• Remove apps you rarely need.
• Use simpler devices when possible.
Refuse Constant Stimulation
Would you be better off if transitions afforded spaces free from screen stimulation? IDEAS:
• Don’t check your phone while waiting in line.
• Turn off most notifications.
• Keep some activities phone-free (walking, exercising, driving).
• Plan short, device-free breaks into your day.
The Institute for Family-Centered Healing & Health equips foster and adoptive parents with family practices grounded in Scripture and science, helping them experience steady growth as healing slowly takes root in their children’s lives.
DATE NAME
Teen Tech Rules
Phones and apps are designed to grab your attention. Create simple boundaries for more focus, better sleep, and more space for the things that matter most to you. Choose from the ideas below to create a tech rule for yourself that you and your parents will agree on.
GET IN
THE ZONE:
I can think of areas where I can be screen-free.
I agree to:
Keep my phone away from the dinner table
Make my bedroom device-free
Charge my device somewhere outside my bedroom at night
Use devices in shared spaces at home
PUT THE PHONE DOWN: I can think of times when I can be screen-free.
I agree to:
Stay off my phone during the first and last hour of the day
Put my phone away during meals or family time
Silence my phone during homework or schoolwork
Try a weekly screen break (Chosen day: )
CLOCK
THOSE APPS AND CONTENT: I can cut out unhelpful apps and content.
I agree to:
Delete or take a break from at least one social media app (App name: )
Limit certain content (news, sports scores, endless scrolling)
Remove apps I rarely use
Choose simpler tech when possible
BREAK UP WITH DOOMSCROLLING:
I let my brain get time to rest and think.
I agree to:
Not check my phone while waiting in line
Turn off most notifications
Keep some activities phone-free (Walking, exercising, driving)
I, , agree to follow the above boundaries to the best of my abilities, with the help and support of my parents.
TEEN’S SIGNATURE
