Navigating Technology with Teens March 31, 2025
Additional resources and downloads are available below
Downloadable resources
pdf Changing Tech Rules Conversation Guide for Parents (1.73 MB)
pdf Smart Thinking Conversation Guide (108 KB)
Sample Smartphone Agreement For Families
Monitoring resources
The best monitoring tools are the ones you will use. You will likely need to use a mix of tools depending on your child's age, the expectations you've set up, and the different devices they have access to. Below is the "secret sauce" mix that we have used in our home.
- Start by making sure you have passwords and pin codes to all apps and devices for your child.
- Occasionally do spot checks of their devices.
- Bark Parental Controls (best for monitoring mobile device usage)
- Circle (best for setting limits and monitoring WiFi usage)
- Device Specific Parental Control Features
Note: If you have a child or adult in your home who is actively using pornography, you will likely need additional tools. We recommend Covenant Eyes as an accountability software. In addition, there are some great resources available from Reclaim Sexual Health and Aggie Catholic.
Additional recommended Resources
The Anxious Generation
(Jonathan Haidt) 
iGen: Why Today's Super Connected Kids...(Jean Twenge) 
Smart Thinking Podcast (Episode 283): Managing "The Kids" Smart Thinking Podcast (Ep 333): We Need to Talk to Our Kids about Uncomfortable Stuff
Teenagers turning to AI companions are redefining love as easy, unconditional & always there (at The Conversation)
The Social Dilemma on Netflix 
Adolescence on Netflix
How to Talk to Your Teens article at Life Teen by Kristin Bird 
Parenting in the Digital World article at Life Teen by Kristin Bird
If you would like to talk to someone about how to book this talk for your parish, school, or group, please don't hesitate to contact us.