Helping Kids Use Technology in a Meaningful Way

In today’s digital world, technology is an integral part of families’ and children’s lives. It’s not just about screen time; it’s about how they use it. We are creating practical resources to help families support children’s digital well-being and foster healthy, balanced technology use at home. For example, “Meaningful use of technology” means helping kids engage with digital tools in ways that support their learning, creativity, well-being, and personal growth. 

Why It’s Important

When kids use technology thoughtfully, they learn balance and self-awareness. They notice how their digital habits affect their mood, focus, and well-being. Kids who use tech purposefully are more likely to be curious, creative, and confident. They can express themselves, connect with others, and even create content that reflects their values and interests. Discussing what is important and what technology brings a certain meaning / fun interest to our lives makes families connect better.

Tips for Parents

• Ask about what feels good: Invite your child to share which apps or online activities energise them and which feel tiring. Celebrate small steps toward balanced use.
• Encourage creating and exploring: Help your child find ways to learn, create, or explore online that connect with their passions or hobbies.
• Show them how you do it: Let your child see how you pause, focus, and use technology intentionally—it’s a powerful example.

Fun Family Activities
for deepening connections and sharing what everyone cares about

Ages 10–12:
Sit down with your child and ask about their favorite app, game, or online activity. Try questions like:

• Where do you spend most of your time online?
• What do you enjoy most about this app or game?
• How does it make you feel?
• Does it help you learn or connect with friends?

Ages 12–14:
Have a family “favorite video or creator” time. Everyone shares one video or creator they love—parents included! Ask:

• What do you like most about this video or creator?
• How does it make you feel?
• What do you learn from them?
• How does this connect to your interests or goals?

Having these conversations with kids within families makes them all share and think about why they use technology and how it fits into their lives in a meaningful, positive way. It also allows them to learn more about each other, what is important to them at the present moment and how they feel about certain things. 

By fostering self-awareness and intentional engagement with technology, parents can help children grow into balanced, purposeful digital citizens who thrive both online and offline. The PERMA-Digital project is an excellent resource for families looking to support their children’s digital well-being. This initiative focuses on integrating the PERMA model—Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment—into digital education. It offers practical guides, tips, and examples to help parents and caregivers support their children’s balanced and healthy use of digital technology at home. Learn more at PERMA-Digital.