It’s a big moment in the Cook household: we’re getting ready to give our 12-year-old son his first smartphone.
In preparation for his new tech gadget, we need to lay down some ground rules.
After drafting up some initial guidelines, I’ve been getting some great advice on Twitter. GeekWire Chief Sales & Marketing Officer Holly Grambihler also offered up a solid addition: “Parents reserve the right to use of Find my Friend/phone app if deemed necessary — helpful in Disneyland and whenever they misplaced their phones!”
GeekWire reporter Charlotte Schubert noted a rule for her 15-year-old daughter: don’t be on the phone when conversing with friends or family.
Others shared warnings.
“These are great ideas. That will fail,” GeekWire reporter Kurt Schlosser quipped on our Slack channel. “But good luck.” Kurt also pointed to his post from 2018: Put down your devices and be a kid while you still can: Advice for graduating 5th graders, and all of us.
We could use some additional guidance from those who have been here before. What rules are we missing? What’s worked for other parents? What’s an appropriate daily time usage?
As the new iPhone 14 hits store shelves today, I’m sure we’re not alone in this journey.
Feel free to respond to my tweet with any ideas, and wish us luck!
