{"id":345012,"date":"2025-12-15T08:49:37","date_gmt":"2025-12-15T08:49:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/uncategorized\/help-i-gave-my-kid-a-phone-without-rules-jessica-speer\/"},"modified":"2025-12-15T08:49:37","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T08:49:37","slug":"help-i-gave-my-kid-a-phone-without-rules-jessica-speer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=345012","title":{"rendered":"Help! I Gave My Kid a Phone Without Rules. \u2013 Jessica Speer"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>Recently, a parent asked me this question: <strong><em>\u201cI gave my kid a cell phone without establishing rules first. It\u2019s not going well. She is glued to her phone night and day. Is it too late to put rules in place?\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The good news is that it is not too late to implement new phone rules and a<a href=\"https:\/\/jessicaspeer.com\/2023\/04\/26\/helpful-tips-for-family-tech-agreements\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> family tech agreement<\/a>. Your child may push back against the rules, but that\u2019s okay. As a parent, you <em>are <\/em>allowed to change your mind and add rules when you realize the current situation isn\u2019t working.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Shifts like these teach kids the importance of incorporating new information into decision-making. We are all learning as we go, especially when it comes to technology and screen time. The following tips encourage family communication and help smooth the transition to new tech rules.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" data-attachment-id=\"12784\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/jessicaspeer.com\/2024\/10\/17\/help-i-gave-my-kid-a-phone-without-rules\/pexels-photo-7925212\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-7925212.jpeg?fit=1880%2C1253&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1880,1253\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;Photo by Kampus Production on &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/girl-lying-on-bed-smiling-7925212\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;nofollow\\&quot;&gt;Pexels.com&lt;\/a&gt;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;girl lying on bed smiling&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"pexels-photo-7925212\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Photo by Kampus Production on &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/girl-lying-on-bed-smiling-7925212\/&quot; rel=&quot;nofollow&quot;&gt;Pexels.com&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;&#10;\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-7925212.jpeg?fit=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-7925212.jpeg?fit=750%2C500&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-7925212.jpeg?resize=750%2C500&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"girl lying on bed smiling\" class=\"wp-image-12784\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-7925212.jpeg?w=1880&amp;ssl=1 1880w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-7925212.jpeg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-7925212.jpeg?resize=1024%2C682&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-7925212.jpeg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-7925212.jpeg?resize=1536%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-7925212.jpeg?resize=1200%2C800&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-7925212.jpeg?resize=1568%2C1045&amp;ssl=1 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo by Kampus Production on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/girl-lying-on-bed-smiling-7925212\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Pexels.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tips-for-implementing-new-phone-and-tech-rules\"><strong>Tips For Implementing New Phone and Tech Rules<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-find-a-calm-moment-to-start-the-conversation\">1. Find a Calm Moment to Start the Conversation<\/h2>\n<p>Avoid bringing up the topic of new rules when you and your child are arguing about their phone or tech use. Instead, choose a time when you both are relaxed. Start the conversation by calmly saying something like:<\/p>\n<p><em>\u201cI\u2019ve been learning more about the impact of phones on the well-being of kids. Supporting your health and safety is one of my most important jobs as a mom. During dinner tonight, I\u2019ll share what I\u2019ve been learning<\/em>. W<em>e can talk about ways to support your health and safety.\u201d <\/em>This brief introduction, along with setting a later time to discuss the topic further, helps kids feel ready for the conversation.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" data-attachment-id=\"12786\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/jessicaspeer.com\/2024\/10\/17\/help-i-gave-my-kid-a-phone-without-rules\/pexels-photo-8499493\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-8499493.jpeg?fit=1880%2C1253&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1880,1253\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;Photo by RDNE Stock project on &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/young-schoolgirl-with-backpack-holding-pink-phone-8499493\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;nofollow\\&quot;&gt;Pexels.com&lt;\/a&gt;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;young schoolgirl with backpack holding pink phone&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"pexels-photo-8499493\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Photo by RDNE Stock project on &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/young-schoolgirl-with-backpack-holding-pink-phone-8499493\/&quot; rel=&quot;nofollow&quot;&gt;Pexels.com&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;&#10;\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-8499493.jpeg?fit=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-8499493.jpeg?fit=750%2C500&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-8499493.jpeg?resize=750%2C500&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"young schoolgirl with backpack holding pink phone\" class=\"wp-image-12786\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-8499493.jpeg?w=1880&amp;ssl=1 1880w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-8499493.jpeg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-8499493.jpeg?resize=1024%2C682&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-8499493.jpeg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-8499493.jpeg?resize=1536%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-8499493.jpeg?resize=1200%2C800&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-8499493.jpeg?resize=1568%2C1045&amp;ssl=1 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo by RDNE Stock project on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/young-schoolgirl-with-backpack-holding-pink-phone-8499493\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Pexels.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-explain-reasons-with-an-emphasis-on-health-and-safety\">2. Explain Reasons with an Emphasis on Health and Safety<\/h2>\n<p>When beginning the discussion about establishing tech and phone rules with your child, lead with the 3 Cs \u2013<em> Calm, Curious, and Connected. <\/em>By remaining calm and curious about your kid\u2019s experiences, your are more likely to foster a connection with your kids.<\/p>\n<p>Remind your child that supporting their health and safety is one of your main jobs. Explain that you are learning more about the impact of screens and tech on kids and need to discuss phone rules to support their health and safety. <\/p>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-share-the-latest-research-findings-on-kids-and-phones-such-as\">Share the latest research findings on kids and phones, such as:\u00a0<\/h4>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Impact of excessive screen time: <\/strong>Research indicates that <a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/patientinstructions\/000355.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">excessive screen<\/a> time negatively affects kids\u2019 health, resulting in a lack of physical activity, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, and depression.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Harms of social media:<\/strong>\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hhs.gov\/about\/news\/2023\/05\/23\/surgeon-general-issues-new-advisory-about-effects-social-media-use-has-youth-mental-health.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">In 2023, the US Surgeon General warned that social media may be unsafe for kids<\/a>. In addition to the harms of <a href=\"https:\/\/jessicaspeer.com\/2024\/07\/11\/cyberbullying-vs-digital-drama\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cyberbullying<\/a>, research finds that social media may perpetuate body dissatisfaction, disordered eating behaviors, social comparison, and low self-esteem, especially among adolescent girls.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><strong>Exposure to harmful content: <\/strong>With the internet at their fingertips and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theatlantic.com\/technology\/archive\/2023\/10\/protect-children-online-social-media-internet\/675825\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">lack of tech regulations in place to protect kids,<\/a> it\u2019s easy for kids to come across content that isn\u2019t appropriate for their age, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/jessicaspeer.com\/2023\/03\/29\/5-surprising-statistics-about-kids-and-screens\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">explicit and violent content<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Be prepared for pushback after sharing your concerns for their health and safety. Let them know their opinion is heard and their feelings are valid. Remain steadfast in establishing tech and phone rules that support their well-being.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"547\" data-attachment-id=\"12788\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/jessicaspeer.com\/2024\/10\/17\/help-i-gave-my-kid-a-phone-without-rules\/pexels-photo-1128316\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-1128316.jpeg?fit=1784%2C1300&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1784,1300\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;Photo by Agung Pandit Wiguna on &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/family-sitting-on-grass-near-building-1128316\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;nofollow\\&quot;&gt;Pexels.com&lt;\/a&gt;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;family sitting on grass near building&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"pexels-photo-1128316\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Photo by Agung Pandit Wiguna on &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/family-sitting-on-grass-near-building-1128316\/&quot; rel=&quot;nofollow&quot;&gt;Pexels.com&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;&#10;\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-1128316.jpeg?fit=300%2C219&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-1128316.jpeg?fit=750%2C546&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-1128316.jpeg?resize=750%2C547&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"family sitting on grass near building\" class=\"wp-image-12788\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-1128316.jpeg?w=1784&amp;ssl=1 1784w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-1128316.jpeg?resize=300%2C219&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-1128316.jpeg?resize=1024%2C746&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-1128316.jpeg?resize=768%2C560&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-1128316.jpeg?resize=1536%2C1119&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-1128316.jpeg?resize=1200%2C874&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-1128316.jpeg?resize=1568%2C1143&amp;ssl=1 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo by Agung Pandit Wiguna on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/family-sitting-on-grass-near-building-1128316\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Pexels.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-ask-for-kids-input-on-tech-and-phone-rules\">3. Ask for Kids Input on Tech and Phone Rules<\/h2>\n<p>As you develop your family tech agreement and new rules, find opportunities for your child to give input. Ask them what they think are reasonable screen time limits. Work with them to establish screen-free times and locations in your home. You might be surprised by what they come up with.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>To explore topics such as cyberbullying, misinformation, stranger danger, and more, read along with your child, <strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Phone-Book-Better-Powerful-Device\/dp\/1641709901\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Phone Book \u2013 Stay Safe, Be Smart and Make the World Better with the Powerful Device in Your Hand.<\/a><\/em><\/strong> This fun, interactive book explores digital safety in a kid-friendly way.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-here-are-family-tech-agreement-topics-to-discuss-as-a-family\">Here are family tech agreement topics to discuss as a family:<\/h4>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Screen time limits: <\/strong>Your child may need strict limits or a more flexible approach. At a minimum, limiting screens an hour before bed supports quality sleep. You may also want to implement screen-free times and device-free zones. Some phone rules may be <em>no phones in bedrooms at night, or no devices during meals and until homework is finished.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Behavior expectations: <\/strong>Be clear about the kind of <a href=\"https:\/\/jessicaspeer.com\/2024\/03\/27\/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-digital-footprints\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">behavior that\u2019s acceptable and unacceptable<\/a> online and include this in the family tech agreement. The anonymity of the internet can sometimes make kids feel more comfortable behaving in ways they wouldn\u2019t normally, like making fun of others or posting harassing comments. <a href=\"https:\/\/jessicaspeer.com\/2020\/11\/12\/sexting-happens-in-middle-school\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Remind your child that what they share online exists forever<\/a>. Talk to your child about stranger danger and why they shouldn\u2019t share personal information with people they don\u2019t know. If someone makes them feel uncomfortable, they need to come to you or another trusted adult.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/jessicaspeer.com\/2024\/09\/10\/parental-controls-and-child-safety-protecting-kids-online\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Supervision and privacy settings<\/a>: <\/strong>Apple and Android phones offer in-depth parental control features that enable parents to set limits on who can contact their child, what they can download, and how much time they spend on specific websites. For example, Apple Screen Time allows parents to prevent their kids from accessing explicit media, apps, and websites. Use these settings to add restrictions to your child\u2019s devices for free. Parental monitoring apps are another way for parents to control what their kids do and see online.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>After establishing a family tech agreement and phone rules, create a plan for enforcement. You could post the agreement on a bulletin board for everyone to see. Set up digital tools to monitor the agreed-upon screen time limits. If parental controls and privacy settings are part of your plan, set them on your child\u2019s devices. Lastly, set aside time for daily, weekly, or monthly family digital check-ins to discuss progress and learn more about their online experiences.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" data-attachment-id=\"12790\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/jessicaspeer.com\/2024\/10\/17\/help-i-gave-my-kid-a-phone-without-rules\/pexels-photo-7869451\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-7869451.jpeg?fit=1880%2C1253&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1880,1253\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;Photo by Vanessa Loring on &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/group-of-diverse-friends-using-smartphone-7869451\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;nofollow\\&quot;&gt;Pexels.com&lt;\/a&gt;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;group of diverse friends using smartphone&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"pexels-photo-7869451\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Photo by Vanessa Loring on &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/group-of-diverse-friends-using-smartphone-7869451\/&quot; rel=&quot;nofollow&quot;&gt;Pexels.com&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;&#10;\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-7869451.jpeg?fit=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-7869451.jpeg?fit=750%2C500&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-7869451.jpeg?resize=750%2C500&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"group of diverse friends using smartphone\" class=\"wp-image-12790\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-7869451.jpeg?w=1880&amp;ssl=1 1880w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-7869451.jpeg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-7869451.jpeg?resize=1024%2C682&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-7869451.jpeg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-7869451.jpeg?resize=1536%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-7869451.jpeg?resize=1200%2C800&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jessicaspeer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pexels-photo-7869451.jpeg?resize=1568%2C1045&amp;ssl=1 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo by Vanessa Loring on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/group-of-diverse-friends-using-smartphone-7869451\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Pexels.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-in-summary-setting-phone-rules-for-kids\"><strong>In Summary<\/strong> \u2013 Setting Phone Rules for Kids<\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s never too late to implement tech or phone rules with your child. Helping kids develop safe and healthy tech habits is a foundational piece of parenting in today\u2019s world. <a href=\"https:\/\/jessicaspeer.com\/2024\/01\/25\/family-conversations-about-healthy-screen-habits\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Keep the conversations ongoing<\/a> and lead with the 3 Cs \u2013 <em>calm, curious, and connected.<\/em> Over time, as your child grows, your family tech rules will change. However, clear guidelines and expectations are an important starting point as kids become digital citizens and learn to navigate their online world.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-about-jessica-speer\"><strong>About Jessica Speer<\/strong><\/h2>\n<pre class=\"wp-block-preformatted\">Jessica Speer is the award-winning author of books for kids and teens, including <em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/jessicaspeer.com\/jessica-speer-books\/the-phone-book-by-jessica-speer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Phone Book - Stay Safe, Be Smart, and Make the World Better with the Powerful Device in Your Hand<\/a><\/strong><\/em>, <strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/jessicaspeer.com\/jessica-speer-books\/bff-or-nrf-not-really-friends\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends)? A Girls Guide to Happy Friendships<\/a><\/em><\/strong> and <strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/jessicaspeer.com\/jessica-speer-books\/middle-school-safety-goggles-advised-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Middle School - Safety Goggles Advised<\/a><\/em><\/strong>.<p>Blending social science, stories, and activities, her writing guides readers through the tricky stuff that surfaces during childhood and adolescence. She has a Master's Degree in Social Sciences and a knack for writing about complex topics in ways that connect with kids and teens. Jessica regularly contributes to media outlets on content related to kids, parenting, friendship, and social-emotional learning. For more information, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/jessicaspeer.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">JessicaSpeer.com<\/a><\/p><\/pre>\n<div class=\"sharedaddy sd-block sd-like jetpack-likes-widget-wrapper jetpack-likes-widget-unloaded\" id=\"like-post-wrapper-149047928-12780-693fcba155b18\" data-src=\"https:\/\/widgets.wp.com\/likes\/?ver=15.4-a.1#blog_id=149047928&amp;post_id=12780&amp;origin=jessicaspeer.com&amp;obj_id=149047928-12780-693fcba155b18\" data-name=\"like-post-frame-149047928-12780-693fcba155b18\" data-title=\"Like or Reblog\">\n<h3 class=\"sd-title\">Like this:<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"button\"><span>Like<\/span><\/span> <span class=\"loading\">Loading&#8230;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"sd-text-color\"\/><a class=\"sd-link-color\"\/><\/div>\n<p><h3 class=\"jp-relatedposts-headline\"><em>Related<\/em><\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Recently, a parent asked me this question: \u201cI gave my kid a cell phone without establishing rules first. It\u2019s not going well. She is glued to her phone night and day. Is it too late to put rules in place?\u201d The good news is that it is not too late to implement new phone rules [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":345013,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[167786,11932,115112,115113,115114],"tags":[2284,167787,6921,1166,1255,11149,50881,115117,115115,115116],"dealstore":[],"offerexpiration":[],"class_list":["post-345012","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-healthy-family-communication","category-parenting","category-screen-time","category-teens-13","category-tweens-9-12","tag-gave","tag-healthy-family-communication","tag-jessica","tag-kid","tag-phone","tag-rules","tag-screen-time","tag-speer","tag-teens-13","tag-tweens-9-12"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Help! 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