Navigating screen time and online safety with Tweens-Teens: Tips, Tricks & a Handy Discount

If you’ve got a tween &/or teen in the house, you’re probably familiar with the constant push-and-pull of screen time negotiations, digital safety talks, and the ongoing battle of “just five more minutes.” As a parent of three, I’m right there with you, figuring it out as I go, making mistakes, and adjusting strategies on the fly. The digital landscape isn’t just changing; it’s evolving at warp speed, and keeping up sometimes feels like a full-time job. But here’s the good news: there are tools and strategies that can help. And while no tech solution is perfect, the eero 6+ modem (suitable for FTTP/FTTC/HFC & Fixed Wireless connections) has some seriously handy features for managing digital life (plus, you can get $50 off, more on that below).*
So, what are some practical ways to create a balanced approach to technology in your home? Read on…. 

1. Set Limits 
Tweens & Teens don’t love being told what to do, especially when it comes to screen time rules, but boundaries are essential. Thankfully, the eero 6+ parental control features are here to help! With eero Secure, you can set screen time limits and schedule internet access for different times of the day, such as schoolwork hours versus downtime. This way, devices won't interfere with sleep schedules or dinner conversations. Plus, you can always say, "It wasn't me who kicked you off, it was that little white box over there." Parents, it's perfectly fine to let an electronic device take the blame!

2. Establish Device-Free Zones
Family mealtimes, bedtime, and certain areas of the house (like bedrooms) can and should be tech-free spaces. The eero Secure app lets you pause the internet with a tap, perfect for enforcing those boundaries without endless arguments. If you prefer a more physical approach, Etsy is full of adorable ‘Electronics Lock Boxes’ that not only look good but do the trick, especially if you find a good hiding spot! Out of sight, out of mind, am I right?!

3. Protect Devices & Digital Privacy
A strong digital defence against unwarranted cyber issues start with the basics such as using unique passwords, enabling Face ID or fingerprint security, and making sure you keep up-to-date with how Tangerine is taking your digital security seriously, learn more here. 

4. Online Safety Starts with Conversation
Consent, privacy, and digital reputation are essential topics we need to discuss early and often. My go-to expert in this space? Dr. Justin Coulson, along with the eSafety Commissioner’s Parenting in the Digital Age resource (check it out here). Give them a follow, download their free resources, and share the knowledge, because an informed parent is a prepared parent.

5. Finding the Balance (Screens Aren’t the Enemy, But…)
Tech isn’t the villain here (I’d be out of a job if it were!), but too much of it can edge out other important experiences like unstructured play, creative pursuits, and, you know…actual human interaction. As parents, we need to make sure screens aren’t the default mode of entertainment. Think back to what you did in the ’80s or ’90s, bike rides, making up dances (without sharing them with the world), creating mixtapes (okay, that one might be tricky), or watching a movie without checking your phone. The goal? Helping our kids find a healthy balance between online and offline life and letting them know it’s perfectly fine to just live in the moment sometimes.

6. Stay Curious, Stay Involved
If you can’t beat them, join them. Instead of shutting down their favourite TikTok creators, why not watch a few and talk about them together? With eero 6+’s network monitoring feature, you can easily see your child’s go-to apps, games, and influencers, giving you insight into their world and making it easier to set expectations together.

This is by no means an exhaustive guide (and if anyone says they have all the answers, they’re lying). The truth? We’re all doing our best to navigating this digital parenting matrix together, adapting, adjusting, and sharing what works. So, if you have a tried-and-true tech parenting hack, let us know! We’d love to crowdsource a blog post filled with real strategies from parents in the digital trenches.

And (here comes the sell) - if you’re in the market for a new modem, Tangerine customers can enjoy a $50 discount* on an eero when purchased through the self-care portal. Log in to your portal to get started.

* Offer subject to stock availability. Discount modem for use by current Tangerine customers only and must not be resold. Tangerine reserves the right to remove or vary the discount at any time. Discount available through the self-care portal only