Bio: Founder

Category:

Tracy Foster

Tracy Foster is the Co-founder and Executive Director for Screen Sanity, responsible for the strategic direction and vision of the organization.

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We say it all the time, but it’s always a good r

We say it all the time, but it’s always a good reminder — as parents, we are the wisdom makers when it comes to raising kids in the digital age. There is no guidebook, no older relative we can call. The only way to move forward is to link arms with other parents, ask questions and start discussions together. We need each other.

Ready to gather your people? Host a Screen Sanity Parent Night. Find the people and the place, and we’ll provide everything else you need in the Screen Sanity Parent Night Kit. Get yours at the link in bio.

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#screensanity #parentnightkit #parentnight #bts #screentime #parenting

Does it feel like you can’t imagine the day you’ll actually be ready to hand your child a phone or let them navigate the world of social media? We’re sharing one of our best tips for building a foundation of digital health that can one day lead your child to device independence (when the time is right!)

Ride. Practice. Drive.

Approach device use like you would teach your child to drive a car. First, they spend years watching YOU. They take note of how you slow down at a stoplight, look in your rear-view window, merge on to a highway, and so much more! They’re naturally absorbing boat loads of information from just watching you.

Then begins the real training. And you’re right next to them, guiding them on when to turn and how fast to go. Sometimes they might hit a curb or stop a little too abruptly — but you’re right there to speak into those moments!

Eventually, it’s time for them to drive solo. You’ve spent the time training and trust the skills they’ve built. They know they can still come to you with questions, as you’ve set yourself up as a trusted resource for them. And sure, maybe there are still parameters and boundaries, such as a curfew and passenger limit, but they’re now driving solo!

Wondering how this principle applies to your preschool, elementary school or middle school child? Our age-specific Plugged-in Planner gives prompts to help you begin building this foundation of digital health. Find yours on Amazon or at the link in bio.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. On

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. One of the driving forces behind the work we do is the overwhelming need to decrease the rates of depression, anxiety and suicide in today’s youth. We strive to maximize the benefits of technology while decreasing the negative side effects that can result from unintentional use.

We learned from the American Academy of Pediatrics that mental health disorders had surpassed physical conditions as the main source of impairment and limitation in adolescents. And a podcast from “The Daily” that came out this past year shared that in the last decade, the number of young people going to emergency rooms for things such as self-harm, suicidal ideation, anxiety, depression, obsessive thinking, rumination and aggression, is up by 300%.

There are a number of reasons we are seeing this upward trend, including the complexity of the world, early onset of puberty and the overwhelming amount of information young people receive each day. But how can we help to serve as a regulatory function for the minds of our kids?

It’s time to put our phones down and connect with our kids.

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#screensanity #suicideprevention #nationalsuicideprevention #suicidepreventionmonth #mentalhealth

The beginning of a new school year can amp up the

The beginning of a new school year can amp up the pressure for parents deciding whether or not to get their kids a smartphone. If you’re in the middle of this decision, we encourage you to consider these three questions:

1️⃣ Why am I getting my child a smartphone? | If the answer is communication or connection, what other options might be available before handing your child a smartphone? It’s worth considering whether a smart watch or basic phone (like a Gabb, Pinwheel or flip phone) could work to fill that need.

2️⃣ What are the rules or boundaries for this smartphone? | While it is never too late to set — or reset — boundaries, they’re most effective when introduced up front. What boundaries would you like to set in place for your child’s relationship with this new device? What conversations need to happen before the phone is ever in their hands? The Smarter Start Toolkit, developed in partnership with @USCellular, is a great place to start. Check it out at the link in bio.

3️⃣ How will I help keep my child safe? | With a smartphone, the world is now at your child’s fingertips. It’s important to consider how you plan to protect them from ending up somewhere on the internet they never intended to be. Do your research ahead of time so you know the exact capabilities of the phone you purchase. Ask around your community to see how other parents are keeping their kids safe on devices.

#screensanity #bts #backtoschool #parenting

How do you respond when your child comes to you as

How do you respond when your child comes to you asking to download a new app? Or maybe it wasn’t even a conversation, but you see it on their home screen? Swipe through the images for some talking points to help build an intentional and thoughtful process for situations like these.

Are you looking for more tools like this? Our Plugged-in Planner series addresses topics just like this and we’ve divided it into three age groups — preschool, elementary and middle school. No matter your child’s age, having conversations starters and tools in your back pocket can make a world of a difference. Grab a book today and start tackling your digital health proactively! You can find our Screen Sanity Plugged-in Planner series on Amazon or at the link in bio.

#screensanity #pluggedinplanner #bts #backtoschool #parenting