Helping Kids Build Better Digital Habits at Home
Photo by Shawn Rain on Unsplash
From the moment children are born, they’re surrounded by screens. Phones capture their first smiles, tablets hold their favourite shows, and gaming devices quickly become companions. Over time, it’s easy for kids—and us, too—to reach for devices out of habit: for comfort, distraction, or even a desire for connection.
The good news? Families can reshape these patterns. By making small changes to our daily routines and environment, we can help kids develop healthier digital habits and reclaim focus and attention.
Shape the Environment
Kids thrive when their surroundings support healthy habits. Simple shifts in the home environment make a big difference:
Keep phones out of bedrooms at night for better rest and digital safety.
Swap phone alarms for analog clocks to start mornings on a calmer note.
Charge devices in a shared space so evenings can be screen-light and connection-rich.
Make one meal a day device-free—for everyone.
As a family, ask yourselves: Am I using this tool, or is it using me? When we’re stressed, do we reach for a screen or each other?
“Phones out of bedrooms is the family digital well-being power move,” says our founder, Christina Crook, a certified digital wellness educator. Make it today!
These changes remove temptation and make it easier for kids (and parents!) to reclaim spaces of focus and rest.
Model the Behaviour You Want to See
Children mirror what they observe. If we check our phones at the dinner table, kids learn that notifications outrank conversation. But if we intentionally set devices aside during meals, walks, or bedtime, we show that people matter more than screens.
Ask yourself: When my child/teen sees me on my phone, what story is it telling about my priorities?
Make Space for What Matters Most
At its heart, digital well-being isn’t about saying “no” to screens—it’s about saying “yes” to something better. Better rest. Better presence. Better connection. When we set up our homes to support these deeper joys, we give our kids (and ourselves) the gift of attention that lasts longer than any notification.
The JOMO philosophy is simple: create space for what matters most. Whether that’s laughter at the dinner table, a calm bedtime routine, or a meaningful car-ride conversation, these small shifts open the door to the richer life we all long for.
