By Jennifer Dylan

The technology wellness movement is coming to make you tech healthy—and the messaging just might work on your teen! If you and your child are struggling with technology and a happy home life, it may be time for a wellness reset! A reset in the wellness world means taking a break from unhealthy habits and re-establishing a more balanced habits rooted in physical, mental and emotional well-being.

The reality is that tech talks with kids—especially teenagers, are not easy. Sometimes our kids respond harshly to good parental intentions and, as a result, our approaches need to adapt. The technology wellness movement is shifting away from ‘get off your screens’ and instead seeking to help youth be mindful about their use of technology, by asking: How are they using it? When are they using it? How is their mood affected when they use it?”

Digital Wellness means building a thoughtful and healthy relationship with technology. For teens, this involves understanding how the technology they use works, recognizing when it may be manipulative, tracking their usage, and finding a balance between entertainment, responsibilities, and screen-free time.

As teens mature, learning to manage their time becomes essential. Technology can either support or hinder that process—depending on how and why it’s used.

One of the most important questions you can ask your child or student about any piece of technology is: “How does it make you feel?” Research shows that our mindset going into tech use often shapes our experience. For instance, individuals experiencing anxiety or depression may be more likely to have negative interactions with social media. Just like a mirror reflects what’s already there, technology often mirrors our inner state rather than changing it.

Ultimately, a healthy relationship with technology is grounded in a healthy relationship with oneself. Taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is a lifelong process, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Support your teen in exploring their emotions and habits and talk with them about what their tech use reflects. Understanding the why behind their digital choices will help guide the how.

CONVERSATION STARTERS:

  • Start a conversation about digital wellness by asking your child if they already do anything to manage their tech use in a healthy way-even without realizing it.
  • Talk about device control. Ask if they’ve ever personalized their settings, and help them see how they can take charge of their tech instead of letting it control them.
  • Encourage critical thinking by asking what their favorite app or game wants them to do, why it encourages that behavior, and how the creators benefit from it.
  • Explore habits together. Ask if they’ve noticed any tech use that seems unhealthy-either in themselves or in someone else in the family.
  • Share simple strategies to build a healthier relationship with technology, such as:
    • Turning off all non-essential notifications.
    • Paying attention to physical signs they’ve been on a screen too long (like tired eyes or stiff muscles).
    • Balancing screen time with movement or outdoor activities.
    • Setting aside an hour before bed with no screens to wind down.

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