Deciding on family technology rules is difficult for many families. Should you have strict rules, no rules, or something in between? You might find it helpful to know what Steve Jobs and other top tech people chose as technology rules for their families … and you might be very surprised!
Family Technology Rules of Steve Jobs and Other Top Tech People
Although Steve Jobs is no longer alive, I imagine his family technology rules would be similar if he were alive. According to an article at Bright Side (no longer available), he limited the amount of time his children could use technology like iPads, and he banned devices at night and on weekends. Instead, they spent time communicating with each other about books and other topics. Chris Anderson, CEO of 3D Robotics, places a number of restrictions on technology in his home, saying, “It’s because I see danger in obsessive uses of the internet. I remember the problems I encountered with this myself, and I don’t want the same thing to happen to my kids.”
While the Bright Side article is no longer available, this article at Business Insider tells a bit more about Steve Jobs’ thoughts.
An article at The Unbounded Spirit (no longer available) talked about the trend of tech executives and engineers to not only limit technology at home, but also to send their kids to Waldorf Schools that avoid computers and focus on hands-on learning. That sounds similar to the focus of many in Montessori education who choose to limit technology and focus on hands-on learning instead.
I grew up (and raised my kids) without worries about technology. I’d hate to see kids today miss out on all the great ideas and hands-on learning that are available outside the world of technology.
My Other Posts About Parenting and Technology
- Positive Use of Technology with Kids
- Less Screen Time/More Family- and Outdoor Time
- Are You Really Present for Your Family and Friends?
- Don’t Let Your Smartphone or Tablet Steal Your Precious Family Time
- How to Stop Phubbing Your Family
- Instagram Family … What’s Wrong with This Picture?
- What Parents Need to Know about Smartphone Safety
- Are You and Your Child Suffering from Nature-Deficit Disorder?
Are your family technology rules similar to those of the top tech people?
Wondering where it’s best to follow me?
If you’re interested in kid-related content, sign up for the Living Montessori Now newsletter. I share my Bits of Positivity parenting and character-education posts in the weekly Living Montessori Now newsletter along with lots of great kids’ activities and Montessori ideas from my Living Montessori Now blog. You’ll get a monthly freebie (and previous monthly freebies) with link and password if you subscribe to the Living Montessori Now weekly newsletter!
If you’re interested in inspiration and motivation, the best place for you will probably be the Bits of Positivity Facebook page. You’ll find lots of inspiration there from the Bits of Positivity blog and from around the Internet. For word art inspiration, be sure to follow me at the Bits of Positivity Facebook page and on Pinterest! Thanks so much!
Learn more about my eBook Montessori at Home or School: How to. Teach Grace and Courtesy!
Image at Top of Post by dmbaker
Kathleen Kelly says
My children are grown and didn’t know what technology was except for driving a car. I think that it is a good idea to limit tech for kids, and to reinforce it regularly. I am 62 and love technology. I could not survive without my computer and iPad, the phone yes but not the others. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Tabatha says
My teenage son is constantly looking at some kind of screen. I now regret not limiting his screen time more.