When we establish device-free zones, we develop lifelong habits that foster our kids’ mental health. And when the whole community is on board, it is a game-changer. FOMO goes down, sleep goes up, and risky behaviors aren’t as tempting. Though there might be pushback at first, they’ll feel relieved without the pressure to always be “on.”

When Cierra Karson found her preschool daughter saying her daily affirmations in the mirror, it made her cry happy tears, because she knew that one day, this little girl would have the confidence she needs to navigate the challenges she will face in the social media world. Read along as Cierra shares why and how this young family makes this practice a part of their everyday routine.

When it comes to the teen phenomenon of nude-texting, “just say no” might not be an adequate strategy. It’s important to help your child plan exactly how they will respond when they get asked for a nude. Here are some creative ideas!

DIGITAL HEALTH: Join us as Tracy Foster, Executive Director of START, shares more about START’s five rules of thumb for digital health…and especially how just like a car, tech comes with great responsibility—and requires an intentional training process.

Election years can provide many great opportunities to start a conversation with your kids about attack ads – which can be very confusing and scary. Here are a few talking points!

Mi hija tiene 16 y, como cualquier adolescente, lidia con el drama social y sus altibajos. Quiero que tenga un celular por su propia seguridad, pero el año pasado me di cuenta de que lo estaba usando para mucho más que eso. Se desvelaba enviando mensajes de texto y pasando tiempo en las redes sociales. Y, para ser honestos, la hermosa hija que yo conocía y amaba se estaba convirtiendo en un ogro.

How might Alexander Hamilton’s life have been different if smartphones existed in the 1770s? We hope no one reading this ever faces a gun duel, but we know that most of us face a daily battle to use our screens with intention, maximizing the many benefits, while minimizing the side effects. Enjoy our modern day re-write of the epic song: My Shot.

With near-constant exposure to news and social media amidst this injustice, more kids are watching graphic videos of tragic violence and reading hateful comments on social media. Dr. Allison Briscoe-Smith, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion of the Wright Institute, recently shared thoughts on how parents can help kids process and respond to what they are seeing.

Looking for a fun activity to do tonight? Download and print this Zoom Mad Lib to do with your family…or use it to help make the most of your next Zoom playdate—have your child ask a friend for the words and then read it back…rolling in laughter.

START recently partnered with the Wall Street Journal to share thoughts about a hot app for kids: Facebook’s Messenger Kids, an introductory social media app designed for kids age 6-12. If you decide to take the plunge, it’s likely your child’s first foray into social media and it’s important to equip them for it and to be attentive to potential unexpected side effects.