1. Involve the whole family in a challenge to unplug.
Make an effort for the whole family to unplug for a day. After all, they say that misery loves company.
Seriously, if everyone is on board together, the challenge can be fun. Set some side bets on who will
handle it the best, and who will struggle – or even cheat! Honour system rules here!
2. Hide everyone device chargers.
Okay, that’s kind of mean. But it’s effective!
3. Incentivize computer/video game time.
An “A” grade gives you an extra hour. A “B” gives you an extra half hour. “C” ‘s and below, well, then
you start losing time. Kids today understand the concept of rewards and bonuses – they’re built in to
practically every video game scenario.
4. Hit the library.
In the pre-electronics era, books were the ultimate handheld device. Reacquaint the whole family with
books with a trip to the local library. Warning: stay away from the digital media shelves!
5. Make ‘em pay!
Many parents are too generous in paying their kids cell phone bills. Show them the bill and make
them pay their share of the charges. This will make them think before going on a texting-spree or
downloading lots of video clips. And whether they pick up jobs on the side or earn money from doing
household chores, that’s time not spent on the cell phone to begin with!
6. Fight fire with fire.
Use technology to set limits on technology. Many common internet security software packages have
parental control applications to keep track and limit computer usage for your kids.
7. Old-fashioned friendships.
Make a point that for every five or so social media posts you write, you’ll pick up the phone and call an
old friend to catch up! Or why not write a handwritten note to a friend or family member. Seriously. It
is a lost art and makes quite an impression. There is always someone you can send a thank you note to--
or you aren't doing things correctly.
8. Go outside.
Take advantage of nice summer weather and go outdoors. Sidewalk chalk and street hockey are amazing
substitutes for technology. Get kids involved in chores. Young kids love gardening and washing cars.
9. Set time limits on video games.
Whether it’s an hour a day or more, establishing some kind of time limit sends the message that it’s not
okay to play video games indefinitely.
10. Establish benchmarks and set objectives.
Okay, it’s not practical to put all the devices in the drawer forever. Start slow. Look at your cell phone
bills. If you are sending 3,000 texts a month, set a target for next month to only send 2,500. Then
2,000, etc.