Family Tech Stories

This fall, New Canaan Unplugged will be sharing stories from families in our community highlighting a range of household technology choices. The number of communication options is huge and each family’s needs are distinct, but we can all learn from the different approaches that will be featured. The families who share their stories will remain anonymous, but questions are welcome. You can reach out to us at newcanaanunplugged@gmail.com.

With that in mind, here is the first in our series of New Canaan Unplugged Family Tech Stories:

Family: 3 children. 2 in middle school, 1 in high school, all in the New Canaan Public School system.

Current Devices: Apple Watch, Smart Phone

Path to Devices:

• Apple Watch is given to each child midyear in 6th grade. It's a baby step to phones and also allows parents to reach them when they are out of the house for sports, activities or with friends.
• Phone given as a Christmas gift in 8th grade.

Device Management:

• Phones & watches are left on parent's nightstand to be charged every night and parent brings the devices downstairs in the morning.
• Kids are not allowed to take their watch or phone unless the parent has brought it down in the morning.  This prevents them from waking up early to use the devices and/or getting up early on the weekends when they should be resting or enjoying some free time.
• Parent has passwords to watches and phones and full access to text messages, voicemails, emails and all contacts.
• Kids have to ask for permission to download all apps and/or purchase anything.
• Homework must be completed before using the phone after school.

Device privileges suspended if:

• Grades fall.  Devices are returned only when grades improve.
• Devices are removed from the parent's nightstand without permission / if parent is asleep (one-day suspension).
• Kids forget to put devices in the appropriate place at night / do not leave their device on the nightstand at night (one-day suspension).
• Passwords are changed without informing a parent.
• Behavior is an issue. 
• Inappropriate language is used.

We hope you find it helpful to see how one family manages their technology choices. If you would like to share your family's technology journey, please drop us a note at newcanaanunplugged@gmail.com!

BOOK HIGHLIGHT

10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World by Jean M. Twenge, PhD. 224 pages

Jean Twenge is a professor of psychology at San Diego State University and well respected author, consultant, and public speaker. Much of her research has focused on generational differences, including work values, life goals, and social attitudes. In a 2017 article in The Atlantic titled "Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?" (Subscription may be required), she was one of the earliest researchers to see the links between smartphone usage and mental health issues in post-millennial children. Her latest book puts forward a concrete and accessible guide to raising resilient, successful, happy children in a time of overwhelming technological intrusion.

Click HERE to read an introduction to the book from Jonathan Haidt on his substack, "After Babel" that also features an excerpt from the book. And click HERE to read a recent profile of Dr.Twenge in the New York Times (subscription may be required)

ARTICLES WORTH YOUR TIME

There is only one true bipartisan issue left - In 2025, there are few areas of commonality across political lines, but banning smartphones in classrooms is the one issue both sides can agree on. Click HERE to read the article on Politico.com

Fighting Digital Dopamine - An option piece in the New York Times from Jake Auchincloss, a Democratic Congressman from Massachusetts about the need to regulate online realm and make IRL effort more rewarding. Click HERE to read the opinion piece in the New York Times.

Roblox, Explained - If you aren't familiar with Roblox, this article from New York Magazine will show you the good, the bad and the ugly - complete with screen shots. It's an eye opening look at a very popular game that parents may not fully understand. Click HERE to read (subscription may be required)

Help New Canaan Unplug

If you are interested in creating a healthier relationship with technology for our children, please check out our survey HERE to let us know how you can help.

New Canaan Unplugged is a parent-run group completely independent from the New Canaan Public School System and the Town of New Canaan.