Our first question: How can we encourage young people to prioritize personal relationships over technology?
I think it depends on the setting, but peer-to-peer interaction is key. We can challenge our children by saying, “Hey, let’s put the phones away and play games or have conversations.” When kids are left alone, devices will consume their time and attention. But when we intervene intentionally, we can teach and model meaningful connection.
We can say, “When you're here, let’s try this,” and show them how to have real conversations. These moments can start in everyday situations—like a drive to school—by asking interesting questions, sharing things about your life, and asking for their thoughts.
We model the behavior we want to see, including deeper conversations. In our home, we use “Would you rather” cards—questions like “Would you rather do this or that, and why?” It helps children think, engage, and open up. When we do this, we stimulate better conversations, enjoy time together more, and create more positive outcomes.
