This tip is brought to you by Common Sense Education 

Active listening is an important skill for all of us to practice, especially when screens are in the mix! For younger kids, remind them that when they’re using a device, it’s important to put it down and pay attention when someone is talking to them, remove headphones if they are being used, and look at the person speaking to them. You can practice with your child using this conversation starter.

For older kids, you can discuss the difference between talking in person and communicating online using role-play and activities.

This can reinforce why body language, eye contact, and tone of voice are helpful to understand how someone feels in a way that letters on a screen aren’t always able to do. That means we have to be extra clear (and kind) when we chat online!