In the era of smartphones and tablets, it’s easy for families to become engrossed in their screens, often to the detriment of quality time spent together. Recognizing this issue, a creative mom has developed a solution that promises to help families regain control over their screen time.
Meet Sarah Mills
A tech-savvy mother of three, Sarah Mills was driven by her desire for more meaningful family interactions, leading her to create a device called Screen. As reported by The Daily Observer, Screen is both a hardware device and an accompanying app that empowers parents to manage their family’s electronic device usage effectively.
How It Works
The setup is straightforward: the hardware is connected to the television, while the app is installed on all family members’ tablets and smartphones. Families then establish screen time rules together—such as no devices at the dinner table—and sign a family contract. Parents can customize settings on Screen to turn off devices at specific times, with advance warnings to allow users to wrap up their activities.
Moreover, Screen provides parents with insights into their children’s online activities and sends alerts if kids attempt to disconnect the device or uninstall the app. Priced at $139, it is currently available for preorder at a discounted rate of $99, with expected delivery in the summer.
Fostering Healthy Technology Use
Sarah explains that her goal was not to demonize technology but to foster healthier usage among family members. She shared her frustration over constant battles about homework and the sight of her kids glued to their screens during meals. “We utilize technology,” she says, “and that’s perfectly fine, as long as it’s in moderation and doesn’t interfere with essential daily activities.”
The Statistics
Statistics from Common Sense Media reveal that tweens (ages 8-12) spend over four hours a day using screens, while teens (ages 13-18) clock in around six hours and forty minutes daily—not including educational media. Alarmingly, many teens admit to gaming or scrolling through social media while they should be studying.
Screens aren’t inherently bad; rather, it’s the distractions and poor time management that can be problematic. Many of us depend on devices for work and communication, and let’s face it, scrolling through apps or unwinding with games can be a delightful way to relax. The challenge lies in setting boundaries for both children and adults, ensuring that technology enhances rather than detracts from our lives. If a device can help us limit TV time without a fuss or prevent late-night email checks, it’s one less worry for parents.
Additional Resources
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Conclusion
In summary, integrating technology into family life is important, but moderation and control are key. Devices like Screen can help families reconnect by managing screen time effectively while allowing for enjoyable usage when appropriate.