Surviving the holidays with new tech: Practical tips for parents

Holidays mean joy, family time—and new tech in your home! If your kid’s wish list is packed with gadgets, we’ve got you covered. 

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Here are 4 quick, expert-backed tips to keep things safe and stress-free.

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1. Start with a safety talk

Before your kids dive into their shiny new devices, sit down for an age-appropriate chat about digital safety and screen-time boundaries. Dr. Scott, Chief Medical Officer at Aura, emphasizes, “When kids are part of the conversation, they’re more likely to feel empowered and willing to participate in their own safety.”

Here are some ways to kick off the discussion with your children:

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• “Do you know what the 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 in a game asking for money? What do you think about that?”

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For a deeper dive into this topic, check out The Ultimate Digital Parenthood Guide to Surviving the Holidays.

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2. Create a media use agreement

Introducing new tech into the household is a perfect time to establish or re-establish clear boundaries. A media use agreement outlines when, where, and how your kids can use their devices. 

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Dr. Scott suggests that parents “model good behavior by verbalizing your own decisions about device use—like saying, ‘I’m just checking my phone to add something to the grocery list.’” Kids notice how we use tech, and leading by example sets the tone.

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You can download a ready-made media use agreement in our full guide here.

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3. Plan for quality time offline

To balance out the inevitable screen time that comes with unwrapping new tech, start traditions that bring the family together without screens:

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• Host a gingerbread house competition.
• Play a family football game.
• Take a drive to see holiday lights.
• Bake and decorate cookies together.
• Organize a holiday-themed scavenger hunt.

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These simple activities create lasting memories and keep the holiday spirit alive offline.

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4. Introduce kids to tech gradually

Not every device needs full access to the internet on day one. Start with limited permissions, especially for younger kids. For teens eager to join social media, take a tiered approach:

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• Start with texting before progressing to apps like Instagram or TikTok.
• Set clear rules, like no tagging locations or friending strangers.
• Keep communication open so kids feel comfortable discussing their online experiences.

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More detailed steps are outlined in The Ultimate Digital Parenthood Guide.

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5. Install Aura for all-in-one device protection

Even with the best rules in place, tech comes with risks. Aura simplifies digital safety for families by offering parental controls, content filtering, screen-time limits, and identity protection.

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As Dr. Scott explains, “Aura not only helps you monitor your kids’ devices but also protects your family’s identities from fraud. That’s peace of mind every parent deserves during the holidays.”

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Get started here with 30 days free to see how Aura can safeguard your family’s new devices and data.

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Parenting is challenging, and the holidays often add to the chaos. But with a solid plan, you can enjoy the season while keeping your kids safe online!