At the Shapiro family dinner table, there’s one thing you won’t find screens. No phones, no tablets, just conversation.

Eli Shapiro, director of the Digital Citizenship Project, is a recognized expert on how technology impacts childhood development. With years of experience, he’s made his family’s dinner routine a “tech-free zone.”

“You need to be aware of how technology shapes your family dynamic,” Shapiro shared with Columbus Jewish News. “It’s not hard to make meaningful changes if you’re paying attention.”

Tech Talk: A Community Conversation About Technology Safety & Our Children

On November 11 at 7:30 p.m., Shapiro will bring his expertise to Columbus Torah Academy during Tech Talk: A Community Conversation About Technology Safety & Our Children. This parent-focused event will help families better understand the complex relationship between kids and their screens.

Strategies for Limiting Screen Time

Shapiro plans to cover strategies for limiting screen time and its positive impact on children, including better sleep and improved focus at school.

“We’ll talk about rules for the home, promoting open communication, parental modelling, and the importance of going ‘dark’ for dinner and bedtime,” Shapiro said. “Innovation is a main consideration in rest issues, and we realise that a decent night’s rest is one of the most mind-blowing signs of a kid’s scholar and social achievement. Sadly, almost 80% of children aren’t getting quality rest due to their tech use.”

Parental Modeling and Technology Use

Shapiro also highlighted how parental behaviour plays a key role in shaping children’s tech habits. “At the point when guardians check online entertainment during supper or forget about their telephones during discussions, they’re setting a terrible model,” he said. “There’s no need to focus on not utilising innovation; it’s tied in with displaying dependable use.”

Digital Shabbat: Finding Balance

During the discussion, Shapiro will explain how to balance technology’s benefits with its potential drawbacks, advocating for what he calls a “digital Shabbat” a tech-free time to reconnect with family and friends.

“Individuals are investing less energy up close and personal, even inside their own homes,” he explained, referencing a recent U.S. Surgeon General report that shows a sharp decline in personal interactions. “That colossally affects the texture of our general public.”

Understanding Technology for Positive Growth

Although he is aware of the difficulties that technology presents, Shapiro thinks that it can be a useful instrument for education and growth if used properly.

“Understanding technology is more important than outright banning it,” he said. “When you know the challenges it presents, you can make more thoughtful decisions about how to integrate it into your home and school environments.”