Is it time to ban smartphone use at home? (Sometimes)

While school administrators and parents focus on phone bans in schools as kids head back to school, it’s important to consider the other places where phone use occurs. Teens often feel frustrated when their parents consistently criticize their phone use without addressing their own. A new study suggests that higher levels of perceived parent digital technology use can lead to higher levels of anxiety and inattention in children. To improve family dynamics, parents and children should make changes in their technology habits to restore positive communication and trust. Some steps include setting family tech guidelines together, practicing active listening skills, creating effective communication systems, and prioritizing tech-free family time.