How smart tech helps me raise confident, safe kids

Being a mom of four is like living multiple stages of parenting all at once. Each of my children has different needs, interests, and levels of independence.

And when I say “family,” I don’t just mean the six of us at home. Cousins, uncles, aunts, grandparents—our family circle is wide and beautifully chaotic! What makes it even more interesting? We’re spread across more than four countries.

That’s why technology has become essential for our family to stay connected, feel close, and be present, even from afar.

As a mom, a professional, and an expert in family tech, I’ve learned that technology can be an incredibly powerful ally when used in a positive, balanced, and safe way.

But a question every parent asks themselves is how do we prepare our kids to navigate the digital world at every stage? Every age brings different challenges, and each one calls for a unique set of guidance. Here’s what has worked for me:

Ages 6–9: Basic safety and emotional connection

This is a great time to start teaching kids about digital risks, but they don’t need open internet access yet. What they do need is to feel connected to their parents.

One of my favorite tools is the Gizmo Watch Adventure. It’s a smartwatch designed for young kids—they can call us, send messages, and stay in touch with up to 20 approved contacts. This starts to offer them a sense of independence without the exposure to social media or internet-connected apps. Plus, I can keep an eye on their location when they’re at a playdate or field trip. It really is the best of both worlds.

At this stage, the most important thing is to build trust and open communication. They’re just starting to develop judgment, so it’s the perfect time to teach them how to recognize what’s right, what’s not, and when to ask for help.

Ages 10–12: First steps toward digital independence

This is when kids begin to ask for more freedom—but they still need plenty of supervision. While historically, many kids have received their smartphones around this time, the general consensus is becoming that the older the child is when they receive it, the more mentally prepared they will be to establish healthy behaviors. In fact, authoritative books, research, experts and even countries are working to increase the recommended age for smartphones.

If your family has already taken this step, I recommend using the Verizon Family App, which allows you to:

• Set screen time limits
• Filter inappropriate content
• Monitor your child’s location in real time
• Monitor which apps they use the most
• Manage everything from your own phone

I also suggest creating a Family Digital Agreement—a simple, visible contract at home that lays out the rules for phone use: no screens at the dinner table, respectful communication, never talking to strangers online, and so on. It should also include clear consequences and be signed by both parents and kids. It’s not just a set of rules—it’s a shared commitment that works specifically for your family.

Ages 13–18: Independence with responsibility

By now, kids are more tech-savvy—but the risks grow, too. Cyberbullying, social pressure, FOMO, and screen overuse are real concerns. Even something as simple as taking their phone to bed can open the door to dangers that enter right into their private space.

That’s why open, honest communication is key. Talk about digital risks directly—no fear, no shame—and remind them they can always come to you.

At this stage, I recommend more advanced tools like:

• Verizon Family Plus, which builds off the Verizon Family free app and offers an enhanced all-in-one suite of parental controls, including driving insights and feedback for new teen drivers in post-ride reports, helping parents coach safe driving habits during the school year.
• Safe Walk with SOS: This innovative feature allows users to share their real-time location with emergency contacts and send an SOS alert if they feel unsafe. Perfect for kids walking home from school or teens out with friends.
• Location Sharing: Easily monitor the location of family members on a map and set location-based alerts for arrivals and departures.
• Call & Text Monitoring: Gain insights into children's Verizon call and text history to identify potential concerns and foster open communication.

For helpful guidance on all of the above, use the Verizon Parenting in a Digital World portal, filled with age-specific resources, up-to-date guidance and tips from the experts, and real-life stories from other families like yours and mine.

Raising kids in the digital age isn’t about control—it’s about presence. It’s about guiding them with love, intention, and the right tools, so we can gradually let go and trust that they’ll make thoughtful decisions—even when we’re no longer watching.

And as a mom, that gives me something priceless: peace of mind.

For more information about the Verizon Family Weekend and back-to-school solutions, visit verizon.com/family-tech