We’re in this together... now all my kids’ screen time is under control
MARIE Clare Gorman is one parent who has signed up to the internet and technology agreement.
The mother-of-four and her husband Peter currently have a child in fifth class at Clarecastle National School.
‘I have four children but three of them are now in second level and I have just one [primary-level child] left now, in fifth class.
‘I find that even though only one of my children has actually signed the agreement, the effect has rippled through the rest of us in the house which has been a great way to take the pressure off.’
Under the ‘Internet and Technology Use Agreement’, drawn up with the help of forensic psychologist Dr Maureen Griffin, filtering and safe-search restrictions will be in place to protect children who attend the school from bullying and sexual grooming online. The pact also says families should have designated screen-free times together.
Examples include meal time; when travelling short distances; and if visitors arrive.
Mrs Gorman says the pact has been having a real positive impact on her children.
‘As my children were getting older, it was harder and harder to control their internet usage and as parents we kept saying that we needed to sit down and have the chat and devise the plan. Thankfully the school helped us and many other families in the school do this through a consultation process,’ Mrs Gorman explained.
‘The agreement actually made us sit down and, as a family, have the conversations about our internet usage.’
The Gorman family now have ‘technology-free zone’ signs in their house, reminding their children of the restrictions.
‘The children are much happier and relaxed now that we have rules in place and I would encourage any other parents struggling to follow a similar plan,’ she added.
The new arrangement hopes to encourage more family chats and fun during meal times, rather than allowing the children to stare at their phones while eating.
The pact follows research that shows how technology in the bedroom interferes with a good night’s sleep and leaves us drowsy in the day. It aims to support parents struggling to manage the use of devices at home. ‘I put a sign upstairs that it is a no-technology zone in our house and it’s working,’ said Mrs Gorman. ‘I’m not saying we have it completely worked out – and some days are harder than others – but it works. The children feel a bit more secure now I think, the youngest child knows that we are all in this together.’