Thrive Toolkit · Parents

Thriving beyond the screen: a guide for parents

Practical strategies, trusted resources, and a clear explanation of the new Texas school device law to help your family build healthy digital habits at every age.

Parenting strategies Texas HB 1481 explained

Parents and children spending time together at home

Helpful resources

Protecting our families takes a layered approach. Here are a few resources to get you started.

Childhood 2.0 Documentary

Gryphon Router

The Anxious Generation

The Bark Phone

It’s never too late

To make adjustments for your family, no matter what stage they’re at. Remember that each child is unique — this is just a guideline.

Use the suggested tech milestones by life stage as a starting point for conversations at home and with other parents in your child’s circle.

Suggested tech milestones by life stage chart for ages 0 to 16 and older — Suggested tech milestones by life stage.

Why today’s devices are different

There’s a lot of discussion today about children and screen time, often leaving parents wondering if it’s helpful, harmful, or simply an unavoidable part of modern life. As parents, we often feel the immediate need for screens to soothe or entertain our children, especially when facing a world not always tolerant of “noisy little ones.”

As children grow older, social pressure and the fear of them feeling left out without their own device can also lead parents to introduce technology. These feelings of guilt, fear, and uncertainty are valid, and it’s why understanding the facts and creating a thoughtful plan for your family’s well-being is so important.

Understanding today’s devices

While screens have been a part of family life for decades, today’s handheld smart devices are fundamentally different. Their private nature, endless content, and interactive design create a constant stream of stimulation, flooding the brain with dopamine. This constant pull is something we’re all vulnerable to, but children and teens are especially sensitive given their developing brains.

The cost of over-reliance: missed opportunities for growth

When we rely on screens too often, we may unintentionally miss out on valuable opportunities for growth. True confidence and resilience are built through everyday challenges, such as overcoming boredom, frustration, or problem-solving. Emotional, social, and physical development cannot flourish through constant screen engagement.

Empowering parenting strategies for intentional tech use

Practical strategies to help your family thrive offline:

Routine and consistencyEstablishing clear routines provides kids with a sense of security, helping them learn what to expect and feel more at ease.
Age-appropriate conversationsStart talking about screen use early and keep those conversations going as your child grows.
Make a boredom planBefore boredom sets in, ask your child what activities they enjoy and create a list together. This helps them learn to self-entertain and overcome initial frustration.
Pack an activity bagFor outings and restaurant visits, pack a bag with coloring supplies, play-doh, small figurines, or puzzles. Rotate items regularly to keep it fresh and fun.
Prioritize what matters mostPrioritize meaningful connection, time in nature, and caring for yourself as a parent.
Be the exampleShow balanced tech habits by unplugging now and then. Kids learn most from what they see, so model the behavior you want to instill.

Cultivating resilience and confidence

Growth often comes through challenges. Shift from being your child’s fixer to becoming a steady supporter.

Resist the urge for quick fixes when your child struggles; growth often comes through challenges.
Calm your own anxiety, knowing that your child is learning valuable coping skills.
Release the weight of others’ opinions. Judgment usually says more about them than it does about you.
Be a safe haven for your child. Practice listening and avoid immediate emotional responses. Stay curious and connected in their life.
Know your child, their friends, and their friends’ families.
Talk regularly about values and boundaries. A family mission statement is a great way to prioritize what your family values and give shared purpose.
Check in before assuming they’re “the only one.” Your child may feel left out at times, with or without a smartphone — it’s part of growing up. Not everyone is meant to be in their circle, and that’s okay.
Shift from being their fixer to becoming a steady supporter.
Extend grace to yourself and to others. Parenting (and life) is hard, and we are all doing our best.

Texas House Bill 1481

What is the new Texas law banning devices in schools (K–12)?

Beginning in the 2025/2026 school year, Texas legislation (House Bill 1481) and the required new school device policies significantly alter the landscape of personal electronic device use for K–12 students during the school day.

For students: no personal electronic devices

Students across Texas are prohibited from using cellphones, tablets, smartwatches, and any other personal electronic devices capable of telecommunication or digital communication throughout the entire school day.
This ban extends to class-change passing periods and lunch periods.
In Conroe ISD, if a student uses an unauthorized telecommunications device, it will be confiscated with each offense, held in the school office, and returned to the student at the end of that school day.
Students may be exempted if their device use is determined necessary by their medical provider or if the student is part of a 504 plan.

For teachers: enforcement responsibilities

Teachers, alongside administrators, are on the front lines of enforcing the district-wide ban.
District employees can permit students to use their personal devices in extenuating circumstances, such as allowing a student to inform a parent or guardian about a late bus.
Alternative methods for parent/child communication will need to be established by the school.

For parents: understanding and supporting

Parents need to be fully aware of and support the new policy, as their cooperation is vital for successful implementation. For Conroe ISD, a town hall meeting was suggested to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Children’s personal communication devices must be turned off and put away during the school day, so direct communication with children via their personal phones during school hours is severely restricted.
For necessary communication during the school day, parents will likely need to contact the school office, which can relay messages or facilitate device use in approved extenuating circumstances.
Parents of students with medical needs or those on a 504 plan should be aware of the exemption process.

The policy represents a big shift in the daily school environment, requiring adjustment from both students and parents. Community support is crucial from all sides for the policy to be effective.

Parent questions, answered

What is the Texas law banning cellphones in schools?

Texas House Bill 1481, effective for the 2025–2026 school year, requires K–12 school districts to adopt policies prohibiting students from using cellphones, tablets, smartwatches, and other personal communication devices during the entire school day, including passing periods and lunch.

What happens if a Conroe ISD student uses a phone during school?

In Conroe ISD, an unauthorized telecommunications device is confiscated with each offense, held in the school office, and returned to the student at the end of that school day.

Are there exemptions to the Texas school phone ban?

Yes. Students may be exempted if their device use is determined necessary by their medical provider or if the student is part of a 504 plan.

How can I reach my child during the school day under HB 1481?

Parents will generally need to contact the school office, which can relay messages or allow device use in approved extenuating circumstances, such as letting a student tell a parent about a late bus.

How do I help my child handle boredom without a screen?

Make a boredom plan before boredom sets in: ask your child what activities they enjoy and create a list together. For outings and restaurants, pack an activity bag with coloring supplies, play-doh, small figurines, or puzzles, and rotate the items regularly.

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