Bill Safcik, a father of four who has been working at Microsoft for over 20 years, shares his strategy for managing his children's screen time. Safcik started using apps to monitor his kids' tech use approximately two years ago, setting a strict one-hour limit during the school year and controlling access to certain apps.
Working in Tech and Parenting Challenges
As a Microsoft employee specializing in Azure Identity, Safcik finds it challenging to disconnect from technology. Despite his tech background, he admits to being less familiar with social media. Concerns about cyberbullying and catfishing prompted him to take action to safeguard his children from online risks.
Personal Experience and Monitoring Tools
Safcik acknowledges his own tech addiction, spending up to 12 hours daily on work-related tasks. His children, aged 9 to 15, have access to various devices, including school-provided iPads. Concerned about excessive screen time, Safcik implemented limits and monitoring tools to ensure age-appropriate content consumption.
Setting Screen Time Limits
Safcik uses an app called Aura to track and manage his children's screen time. He sets a one-hour daily limit per child during the school year, extending to three hours in the summer. Additionally, he employs Screen Time to regulate app downloads and restrict access to certain platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat.
Impact on Family Dynamics
Despite initial resistance from his kids, Safcik noticed positive changes in their behavior. Reduced screen time led to increased family interactions, such as playing board games and engaging in conversations. Safcik plans to gradually relax restrictions as his children grow older but intends to monitor their digital activity until they come of age.
Parental Role Modeling
Safcik emphasizes the importance of setting a good example for his children by demonstrating healthy tech habits. He believes that social media companies should prioritize user well-being over profit and advocates for greater accountability in online content. By balancing work responsibilities with family time, Safcik aims to instill a balanced approach to technology use in his kids.
As a parent and tech professional, Safcik's proactive approach to managing his children's screen time serves as a valuable lesson in navigating the digital landscape while prioritizing family well-being.
—————————————————————————————————————————————
By: ccheong@insider.com (Charissa Cheong)
Title: How a Microsoft Employee Limits Kids’ Screen Time to 1 Hour a Day
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-dad-limits-kids-screen-time-social-media-2024-8
Published Date: Tue, 06 Aug 2024 09:55:56 +0000
Leave a Reply