Family Guidelines
Across Marin, let’s collectively safeguard childhood from the overreach of tech.
The Kids IRL Family Guidelines help TK-8 families keep tech in check so it doesn't crowd out essential in-real-life activities - like a good night’s sleep, free play with friends, regular family time, and moving our bodies everyday.
Let’s all be part of a community solution by adopting these tech use guidelines in our homes as best we can! If families across Marin implement these in coordination with other families, together we can make swift and positive changes to how we navigate tech in our daily lives.
We don't have to be alone in figuring this out - let's take the pressure off by doing this together!
These guidelines are inspired by and adapted with permission from the visionary work of Andrew Davis, Head of School at Mount Tamalpais School in Mill Valley, CA. We created a Kids IRL version to share this great work with the broader community.
We hope these guidelines support Marin families to successfully develop and implement healthy digital practices at home. Please use these guidelines to determine the practices and policies that best suit your family.
Printables to keep tech in check!
A great way to avoid tech overuse at home is to make it clear that certain spaces and times are device-free. With your family, decide which activities to keep intentionally IRL - so you avoid the slippery slope from IRL to URL that too easily happens when phones and devices are accessible. Use the printables below to make these boundaries clear and easier to maintain!
Protect sleep from tech by charging them outside bedrooms!
Let visitors know that social & play time is IRL at your home!
Make sure scrolling doesn't interrupt dinnertime conversation and meaningful family time!
Remind everyone that car rides are better for talking than texting!
Help Marin youth thrive by supporting Kids IRL! Make a tax-deductible donation today.
We are looking for funding options and grant opportunities. If you are interested in joining our Kids IRL fundraising team, email us.
Kids IRL (in real life) is a Marin County-wide coordinated effort to keep digital tech in check and roll it out more slowly to our children - so screens don’t crowd out essential childhood activities. By changing local norms together, we reduce pressure on parents and kids, protect our children’s mental health, and improve family life.
