1. Have a set time when devices (cell phones, iPads, tablets and the like) must be off and out of reach. Go dark for dinner.
2. Have a central charging station where teens have to leave their phones and iPads to charge overnight. This is one of the best ways to combat both sleep deprivation and late-night texting.
3. Set the tone in your house that technology use is a public activity–this includes a policy that requires doors to bedrooms to be open while technology is being used. This creates an environment of open communication.
4. Have clear rules and guidelines on technology use in and out of the home.
5. Utilize the parental control options on your child’s devices.
6. Model the behaviors you want to instill in your child.
7. Above all, have a dialogue with your child about both your and his technology habits.
Dr. Eli Shapiro is a licensed clinical social worker with a doctorate in education. He is a noted writer, thought leader and sought-after speaker on social and communal issues. Dr. Shapiro is the creator of The Digital Citizenship Project, which teaches healthy and responsible use of technology. To reach Dr. Shapiro please visit elishapiro.com or thedigitalcitizenship.com