With the holidays quickly approaching, many TGS families may be considering purchasing a smartphone for their students. For parents, making this decision can be overwhelming and may involve considerations about everything from safety to convenience, and from peer relationships to determining strategies that align with the family's values.

A great starting point is to reflect on your own smartphone use and values as a parent. How do you use your device? What example do you want to set for your child? If you choose to give your student a smartphone, these reflections will help set the parameters for your child’s smartphone use and for a discussion with your child. 

Creating opportunities for open conversation about the phone is key, and including your child in the conversation empowers them to make decisions and understand the considerations. This is not just about purchasing a smartphone; It’s about nurturing healthy habits and shared understanding.

The following resources can help get the conversation started.