During the weekly Director of IT Parent Tech Bytes session titled “Your Phone is Not Your Friend,” we delved into the impact of excessive smartphone usage and discussed strategies to foster healthier relationships with technology within families. Here is a quick recap of the key points covered:

1. Acknowledging the Benefits: We recognised the advantages of smartphones, such as staying connected and accessing information. However, we emphasised the need to balance these benefits with mindful phone usage.
2. Understanding the Negative Consequences: We explored the negative consequences of excessive phone reliance, including decreased productivity, strained relationships, and potential mental health issues. Real-life anecdotes and statistics highlighted the detrimental effects.
3. Promoting Mindful Phone Usage: We provided practical tips to establish healthy habits, such as creating phone-free zones during meals and bedtime, encouraging face-to-face conversations, and modeling responsible phone use.

The session was attended in person and via online streaming by parents. For those who were unable to attend in person or online, please find below the link to the recorded session and the presentation:

Presentation Recording Link:

By implementing these strategies, parents can guide their children towards balanced smartphone usage and create an environment where technology enhances their lives rather than hinders them. Remember, your phone can be a powerful tool, but it’s important to remember that it’s not your friend.

Kind regards,

Atif Hussain

Director of IT

atif.hussain@ncbis.co.uk