Guide to Giving Devices as a Gift! -
Mental Health &
Wellbeing @ St. Johns
The holidays are a magical time, and few gifts light up a child’s face like a brand-new gadget. Whether it’s a gaming console, a tablet, or their very first smartphone, these gifts bring joy and open doors to creativity, learning, and connection.
Yet, with great devices come great responsibilities. As parents and caregivers, you have a unique opportunity to set the stage for healthy and responsible tech use from the very beginning.
Setting Up the Device Together
Make the initial setup a shared experience. Sit side by side and walk through the settings together, enabling parental controls, filtering content, and discussing privacy features. You might say, “Let’s make sure this is safe and fun for you,” as you guide them in selecting age-appropriate apps and disabling unnecessary features like chat options for younger users. By creating a family account, you ensure transparency and oversight building trust through teamwork.
Together, agree on a few simple family rules:
- No screens during meals.
- No devices in bedrooms.
- A nightly shutdown time to prioritise rest.
Frame these as opportunities to connect, not just restrictions. For example, suggest screen-free moments like board game nights or family walks to stay close. You also create a safe space for your child to share if something upsetting happens online. Normalise tough conversations early
“If you ever see something that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsure, let’s talk about it together. There’s nothing we can’t figure out.”
These open-ended tech talks foster ongoing dialogue and build trust, ensuring your child feels supported as they navigate the digital world.
Modelling Healthy Tech Habits
Children learn more from what they see than what they hear. As your child explores their new device, be mindful of your own tech use. When they look up, let them see you engaged in non-digital activities like reading, cooking, or playing with them. Or even show them what you are doing if you are using your device like "I am just paying the phone bill" so they can see the device being used as a tool. Turn screen time into shared time by co-playing their favourite game, exploring an educational app together, or working on creative projects. By showing balance and intention in your own habits, you demonstrate that technology is a tool not a distraction.
Incorporating Mindfulness
Amid the holiday excitement, take small moments to pause and reflect with your child. Before they dive into their new gadget, you could say: “Let’s think about how this device can make our lives better.” Encourage breaks during screen time to check in on how they’re feeling.
Simple mindfulness practices like a breathing exercise or journaling about what they’re grateful for can help them develop a thoughtful relationship with technology. These moments of reflection promote balance and self-awareness.
Preparing for Challenges
Challenges are inevitable. Perhaps your child resists shutting down their device at the agreed time. Instead of frustration, approach it with empathy: “I know it’s hard to stop when you’re having fun, but let’s figure this out together.”
When accidents happen like a misplaced device or a cracked screen treat it as a teachable moment about responsibility. Involve your child in problem-solving or contributing to repairs. These situations help them develop accountability and resilience.
Making Tech Part of the Bigger Picture
As the novelty of the gadget fades, guide your child in discovering its full potential.Encourage creative and educational uses, such as:
- Exploring apps to make music, design art, or learn coding.
- Video chatting with grandparents or friends to nurture connections.
Balance screen time with offline adventures whether it’s outdoor play, board games, or family outings. Show that the device can be a bridge to creativity and connection, not a barrier.
Staying Involved
Always, check in: “How’s it going with the new iPad?” This keeps the door open for ongoing conversations about their experiences both good and challenging.
Stay informed about app updates, emerging risks, and new parental controls to ensure the device remains safe and functional. By staying involved, you help the gadget remain a source of growth and joy instead of conflict.
Wrapping Up
Gifting a device is more than handing over a box with a bow; it’s an opportunity to guide your child in building a healthy, balanced relationship with technology. To set the stage for success, consider including a written use guideline with the gift. Together, outline key rules like screen time limits, tech-free zones, and approved apps.
Through open conversations, clear boundaries, and shared experiences, you’re giving your child more than just a gadget. You’re equipping them with the tools to navigate the digital world with confidence, creativity, and care not just this holiday season, but for years to come.
If you’re unsure, we’ve got something that can help you make a more informed decision while keeping the conversation open and honest with your child. Inside our Safe on Social Parent Resource, our new year long online library for parents, we have included our self-assessment tools they are a quick, easy way to see if your child is truly ready for a smartphone. And it’s reusable for any new app or device.
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- Practical Tools: Easy-to-use worksheets for key decisions like when to give your child their first device.
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I hope this helps you make a thoughtful decision this holiday season! If you have any questions or need more support, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Best,
Kirra & Safe on Social Team
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