Technology Road Map

Leveraging the potential of online experiences to enhance offline community and success

Enjoy the advantages, so they will experience boundaries and have positive explosure.

Zero & One

  • Use the tools, but don't be used by them.
  • Connect to other adults. Remember you’re not alone.

One & Two

  • Take pictures. Just make sure you don’t miss a real moment to capture a digital one.
  • Limit their screen time.
  • Purchase the protection plan. It’s hard to get Play-Doh® out of the headset jack.

Three & Four

  • Have some screen-free zones and screen-free times at home.
  • Play online games together, and occasionally use technology for learning.
  • Talk about technology as you use it, or they might assume, “Mom’s just playing a game.”


EMBRACE their physical needs.

Explore the possibilities, so they will understand core values and build online skills.

K & First

  • Establish Internet boundaries. Say things like: “Never Google alone.”
  • Use technology to share things you enjoy. Share things like old-school music videos.

Second & Third

  • Make technology social. Play together and keep the computer in a public place.
  • Establish rules for online sharing. Say things like: “Don’t post your home address.”
  • Ask three questions about online games: What is the content? What is the commitment? What is the connection?

Fourth & Fifth

  • Stay curious. Ask things like: “Have you seen anything online that surprised you?”
  • Follow recommended age limits. Know guidelines for apps, networks, and games.
  • Talk about four online dangers: Porn, violence, bullying, contact with strangers
  • Let them be the technology expert.


ENGAGE their interests.

Collaborate a plan, so they will respect limits and strengthen social abilities.

Sixth

  • Have clear limits and expectations for mobile devices.
  • Share an iTunes account, and research their apps.
  • Leverage technology for your relationship. They may say more in a text than in person.
  • Script a response for when you find out something you weren’t expecting.

Seventh & Eighth

  • Start social media accounts together. Now it’s legal.
  • Follow them (online) respectfully. Say things like: “Am I commenting on your posts too often?”
  • Know their passwords. Keep the digital doors unlocked.
  • Reinforce basics. Say things like: “Mobile device content is public and can be permanent.”


AFFIRM their personal journey.

Expand their potential, so they will establish personal boundaries and leverage online opportunities.

Ninth

  • Rediscover what platforms and apps they are using—weekly.
  • Discuss digital content as part of a college application or resume. Say things like: “So, about that picture you posted . . .”

Tenth

  • Encourage them to plug into online hobbies. Suggest things like starting a blog or YouTube channel.
  • Consider sharing the bill.
  • Have clear limits and expectations for technology and driving.

Eleventh

  • Familiarize yourself with online education options.
  • Never let a high schooler have a dating app.
  • Share an online calendar.
  • Leverage technology to connect to a bigger cause.

Twelfth

  • Dialogue about the future. Say things like: “By the way, colleges and careers monitor what you do online.”


MOBILIZE their potential.

For more resources, visit justaphase.com and transitstudents.org/parents.

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