In our house, dinner had always been a time to connect without distractions, so we made a simple rule: no phones at the table. Lately, though, my daughter seemed glued to hers, even when we sat down to eat. One evening, frustrated by her silence, I decided to turn off the Wi-Fi. I expected resistance, but I didn’t expect what came next—she quietly turned it back on. When I asked her why, she held up her screen, and what I saw completely changed my perspective.
Instead of scrolling through social media or playing games, her phone displayed a live study session with classmates. They were exchanging notes, solving problems, and encouraging each other. In that moment, my assumptions crumbled. I had mistaken her focus for distance, when in reality she was reaching out for support in the way that felt natural to her. Technology, I realized, wasn’t just a distraction—it could also be a lifeline for learning and motivation.
That night, we had a much-needed conversation. She explained how these study calls gave her encouragement when school felt overwhelming, and how working together online helped her stay motivated. It made me realize that while screen time can create distance, it can also build connection if used thoughtfully. The solution wasn’t to ban devices completely but to find balance and understand the purpose behind their use.
Since then, our family rule has shifted: no mindless scrolling at the dinner table, but meaningful connections and learning are welcome. Dinner feels warmer now—we sometimes share a laugh from her group chat or learn something new from her discussions. Turning off the Wi-Fi taught me more than I expected: guiding children in how they use technology is far more powerful than simply cutting it off.