Recommendations for Digital Wellbeing at Home

At ISB, we guide students’ use of digital devices at school for specific learning purposes. To support families in their decisions for technology use at home, we offer practical, research-informed recommendations to help them shape technology use at home positively, safely, and with balance.Our guidelines are designed to help families develop their own rules for responsible use of technology at home.

ISB Recommends

Prioritise Sleep & Device-Free Zones

Keep bedrooms device-free, as screens are the primary obstacle to healthy sleep patterns. If you only adopt one guideline, CHOOSE THIS ONE!
Charge all family devices overnight at a central charging station in a shared space, such as the kitchen.
Encourage 30 minutes of screen-free time before bedtime.

REMEMBER! Adequate sleep supports attention, emotional regulation, and academic success.

Helpful Resources

Be a Positive Role Model for Digital Habits

Model responsible, mindful use of technology as your example shapes theirs.
Demonstrate that family time takes priority:
- Avoid constantly checking your phone and phone interruptions during family time;
- Silence notifications or move distracting apps off your home screen.
Explain your phone use purpose to children (e.g., "looking up directions") to provide context
Focus on developing responsible digital use through guidance rather than restrictions

REMEMBER! Every family's approach to technology will be unique to their values and needs.

Ensure Phone & Social Media Readiness

Assess your child’s individual maturity and responsibility, rather than age.
- Does your child inform you where they are and what they’re doing?
- Do they follow household rules responsibly?
- Can they care for their belongings independently?
Prioritise limited-capability devices for children under 10 (basic or “dumb” phones, GPS watches, or tablets without data) when introducing devices.
Follow minimum age requirements: 13+ for most social media; many apps (e.g.WhatsApp & TikTok) recommend parent or guardian reviewing terms of service for users under 18.

REMEMBER! Every child develops at their own pace. Focus on maturity rather than age.

Helpful Resources

Establish Family Technology Agreements

Involve children in shaping the rule; they’re more likely to follow what they help create.
Designate screen-free zones, such as dining tables and bedrooms.
Create a Family Technology Agreement (see templates) for homework, gaming, entertainment and communications, emphasizing responsibility, safety, and digital citizenship
Frame the agreement as a collaborative effort, rather than a list of restrictions.

REMEMBER! Setting shared expectations helps everyone feel involved and engaged.

ISB AGREEMENT TEMPLATES

Address Artificial Intelligence Safely

Talk about AI with your child, focusing on your own experience; discuss what it can do, where it might go wrong, and how to use it ethically and responsibly for learning purposes.
Remind your child that AI can sound confident even when it’s wrong. Encourage them to double-check facts and use their own judgment.
Help your child understand that anything shared with AI might be stored or reused. Remind them not to share private or identifying details.

REMEMBER! Explore AI together! Use it as a tool for creativity and learning, while talking about fairness, honesty, and respect for others.

Helpful Resources