We took a different approach from the parents in the article to technology with our kids, and I think it was the right thing (for us). My goals were to provide

We took a different approach from the parents in the article to technology with our kids, and I think it was the right thing (for us). My goals were to provide good exposure so that our kids would view technology in a healthy way: tools to help them create and learn, devices that can bring the world to them, and a healthy understanding that there are dangers beyond our walls. I wanted them to be technologically astute, instead of taking an aversion or negative view. I wanted them to burn through the "magical" effect of tech early on. We put desktop PCs in our kids' rooms when they were in 3rd grade (twins). I completely controlled any outbound access they had (they knew nothing about web browsers, so I removed those from access). And while we limited their unattended screen time, I also spent a good amount of time introducing them to keyboards, mice, and applications. After a few months, both were up and going with Minecraft. To keep things in the walls, I setup a private Minecraft server to which they attached in the house so they could play with each other. They've grown into 8th graders, and the desktop PCs have been replaced with Macbooks, iPhones and Kindles. Sure, they use Snapchat and Instagram with their friends, but by far they use the camera for videos and pictures. Those things end up in iMovie or slideshows that they put together and distribute over my Youtube account. They are voracious readers, pushing content through their kindle at an alarming rate. These are now fundamental devices they use in/for school projects and homework. They're good at it, to the point that they often help their friends with troubleshooting. As I said, our approach has worked for us. It has been a lot of work as well, ensuring the kids aren't LatchKey 2.0, where the TV has been replaced by something you can hold in your hands. We had to be committed to being attentive and watchful, but we felt that was an investment in time that would help our kids succeed in an increasingly connected world.