Keeping Kids Safe in a Digital Age…

Yes, technology is here to stay, AND we have so many options when it comes to putting a device in their hands!

For years, Fresh Start Family has proudly worked with three of the best kid-friendly wireless companies out there – Gabb, Bark and Troomi – who are just as passionate as I am about keeping kids safe online and protecting their mental health.

My own kids have been safely using both Gabb and Troomi phones for years, and we have loved the experience! It keeps us in contact when they want to head to a friend’s house after school or if I’m running late to pick them up from practice and want to give them an update, while giving me peace of mind of knowing that social media and unrestricted internet access are not an option on these devices.

We also just interviewed Titania Jordan from Bark Technologies & have fallen in love with the incredible work Bark is doing in the world, so we now reccomend their devices also!

Terrin (13) uses his Troomi phone day-in, day-out & just spent the entire weekend snowboarding using it for music, but not having access to the internet & apps. We are VERY happy with his Troomi device!

And we’re so excited to now be partnering with Bark, a company committed to keeping your family safe online at home and on the go!


TROOMI DEVICES

GABB DEVICES

BARK DEVICES


Fresh Start Family Show Episodes:

Ep. 19 Using Screens to Teach Self-Management with Susie Walton

Ep. 84 3 Common Mistakes When Pulling Back on Screen Time with Lisa Honold

Ep. 187 Listen BEFORE You Get Your Kid an iPhone– with Bill Brady of Troomi Wireless

Ep. 145 Making Great Screen Time Decisions for Your Family with Arlene Pellicane

Ep. 163 Turning Video Games into Learning Time with Randy Kulman Ph.D. 

Ep. 203 3 Steps to Create a Family Tech Plan – with Andrea Davis

Ep. 248 5 Ways to Build Up Your Child’s Ability to Entertain Themselves Screen Free with Drew Vernon of Tonies

Ep. 252 How Disappointing Your Kid Can Save Their Life with Titania Jordan of Bark

Ep. 277 Shielding Kids from Screen Addiction: 5 Game-Changing Strategies to Empower and Unplug with Dr. Susie Davies

Books We Love:

Creating a Tech-Healthy Family: Ten Must-Have Conversations to Help You Worry Less and Connect More With Your Kids – Andrea Davis

Screen Kids: 5 Relational Skills Every Child Needs in a Tech-Driven World – Gary Chapman and Arlene Pellicane

Reset Your Child’s Brain – Dr. Victoria Dunckley

Parenting in the Age of Attention Snatchers: A Step-by-Step Guide to Balancing Your Child’s Use of Technology – Lucy Jo Palladino

For our UK-based friends, grab a copy of her book The Healthy Selfie: How to Like Yourself in the Digital Age

Other Great Resources:

Wait till 8th Pledge – See if you can get a group of your child’s friends’ parents together to sign this. Host a wine night, or a Saturday morning brunch to talk about your intentions & have these pledges printed out. Your journey WILL be easier if you have atleast one other buddy who has caring parents who are waiting like you are!