#287 How to Help Manage Device/Phone Use for Older Teens & Young Adults

The EXTRAORDINARY Family Life Podcast

In today's digital age, managing tech boundaries with older teens and young adults can be a delicate balancing act. On this episode of The Extraordinary Family Life Podcast, Rachel and Greg Denning dive deep into strategies for maintaining healthy tech boundaries and encouraging digital minimalism, especially with phones and devices. They share practical tips for parents seeking to help their teens thrive in a tech-saturated world while fostering meaningful offline activities, like hobbies and family engagement.

One listener's question serves as the foundation for the conversation: “Hi there, I've admired your family and would love some insight on managing teen cell phone use. We’ve been a low-tech family—our oldest got her first phone at 16, with no apps or internet. Now at 18, she has minimal apps and no social media, but she's constantly on her phone, texting or using Marco Polo. She no longer engages in hobbies like playing piano or spending time with siblings. How have you balanced freedom with boundaries for older teens? We want to give her more freedom but are struggling to see her disconnect from life as she used to.”

Rachel and Greg share their personal experiences, offering tips on how to set tech boundaries that encourage freedom without sacrificing connection or personal growth. They discuss the impact of screen time on development, the importance of modeling healthy behaviors, and the need for families to view technology as a tool—not a toy. Tune in for actionable strategies to help your teens build a healthier relationship with their devices and rediscover meaningful offline connections.

The topics discussed in our episodes are intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. They should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional for any medical concerns or questions.

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