New year, new tech: Practical tips for parents after gifting kids devices
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New year, new tech: Practical tips for parents after gifting kids devices
When the holidays are over, routines return—and suddenly there’s new tech everywhere. If your child received a phone, tablet, gaming system, or smartwatch, January is the perfect time to reset expectations and build healthy digital habits.
Here are five expert-backed tips to help parents navigate new technology confidently, calmly, and safely.
1. Start with a safety talk
Before kids dive too deeply into their new devices, take time for an age-appropriate conversation about digital safety and screen-time boundaries.
Dr. Scott, Chief Medical Officer at Aura, explains, “When kids are part of the conversation, they’re more likely to feel empowered and willing to participate in their own safety.”
To get the discussion started, try questions like:
- “Do you know what age ratings on games and apps mean?”
- “What do you think happens when we share too much personal information online?”
- “Have you ever seen a pop-up asking for money or personal details? What would you do?”
These early conversations set the tone for responsible tech use all year long.
For a deeper dive into this topic, check out The Ultimate Digital Parenthood Guide to Surviving the Holidays.
2. Create a media use agreement
Introducing new tech is a great opportunity to establish—or revisit—clear household rules.
A media use agreement outlines expectations around:
- When devices can be used
- Where they’re allowed
- What kinds of content are appropriate
Dr. Scott also recommends modeling healthy habits: “Verbalize your own decisions around device use—like saying, ‘I’m checking my phone to add something to the grocery list.’ Kids notice how we use technology.”
You can download a ready-made media use agreement in our full guide here.
3. Plan for quality time offline
New devices often mean more screen time—but balance matters.
Build regular, screen-free moments into your family’s routine:
- Weekly family game nights
- Outdoor walks or bike rides
- Cooking or baking together
- Creative projects like puzzles, crafts, or building kits
These shared activities help kids recharge offline and reinforce that tech is just one part of family life.
4. Introduce kids to tech gradually
Not every device needs full access on day one.
For younger kids, start with limited permissions and expand access over time. For teens eager to use social media, consider a tiered approach:
- Begin with texting or messaging
- Gradually introduce apps like Instagram or TikTok
- Set clear rules, such as no location tagging or connecting with strangers
- Keep communication open so kids feel comfortable sharing what they encounter online
More detailed steps are outlined in The Ultimate Digital Parenthood Guide.
5. Use tools that support your rules
Even with clear boundaries in place, technology still comes with risks.
Parental control tools can help families reinforce expectations by offering features like content filtering, screen-time management, and monitoring across devices. When paired with open communication, these tools can support safer digital experiences for kids and teens.
New tech doesn’t have to mean new stress. With a thoughtful plan and consistent conversations, parents can turn post-holiday tech overload into an opportunity to build safer, healthier digital habits that last all year.
Share with another parent navigating new devices this season.
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