Conversation Starters

• "What's your favorite app/game right now? What do you like about it?"
• "Who do you like to connect with online?"
• "If you could only keep 3 apps on your phone, which would they be?"
• "What do your friends mostly use their phones for?"
• "Have you noticed anything interesting about how people use technology?"

• "How do you feel after you've been on [app/game] for a while?"
• "Do you ever feel like you're spending too much time on screens?"
• "What would your friends think if you took a break from social media?"
• "Do you ever feel pressure to respond to messages right away?"
• "What's the best thing about being online? What's the worst?"
• "Have you ever seen something online that made you uncomfortable?"
• "Do you ever feel like you're missing out when you're not online?"

• "How do your friends handle screen time rules at their houses?"
• "Have you noticed anyone being mean or left out online?"
• "Do people act differently online than in person?"
• "What happens if someone doesn't respond to a group chat?"
• "Do you feel like you have to post certain things to fit in?"
• "Have you ever regretted posting something?"

• "When do you reach for your phone without really thinking about it?"
• "Do you think your screen time affects your sleep/mood/energy?"
• "What activities make you lose track of time in a good way?"
• "If you had a whole day with no screens, what would you do?"
• "Do you ever wish you used your phone less?"
• "What would it be like to not have notifications for a few hours?"

• "Do you ever compare yourself to people you see online?"
• "How do you feel when you see posts of people having fun without you?"
• "Do you think people's lives are really as perfect as they look online?"
• "Have you ever felt pressure to look or act a certain way online?"
• "What's the difference between your life and your 'online life'?"

• "Do you feel like I'm on my phone too much?"
• "When do you wish we put our phones away as a family?"
• "Do you feel like I'm really listening when you talk to me?"
• "What would make our family time better?"
• "If you could change one rule about screens in our house, what would it be?"

• "What's your favorite thing to do on the iPad?"
• "Do you like it better when we watch shows together or when you watch alone?"
• "How do you feel when it's time to turn off screens?"
• "What do you like to do when you're not on screens?"
• "If you made the rules, when would screen time happen?"
• "Does anything you see on screens ever make you feel worried or scared?"

• "What apps do most kids your age use?"
• "Do you feel like you need a phone to fit in with your friends?"
• "Have you seen examples of people being unkind online?"
• "What would you do if someone sent you something mean?"
• "Do you ever feel anxious about likes or comments?"
• "What do you think is a good amount of screen time for someone your age?"

• "How does social media affect your mental health?"
• "Do you feel pressure to be available 24/7?"
• "Have you ever taken a social media break? How did it feel?"
• "What's your biggest worry about technology use?"
• "Do you think adults understand what it's like to be your age online?"
• "If you were a parent, how would you handle screen time?"
• "What advice would you give to younger kids about using technology?"

• "I've noticed [observation]. What do you think about that?"
• "How can we make sure technology adds to our lives instead of taking away from it?"
• "What boundaries would make sense for our family?"
• "What consequences would be fair if someone breaks our agreement?"
• "How can we support each other in using screens more mindfully?"
• "What alternative activities sound fun to you?"

• "Why do you think apps are designed the way they are?"
• "Do you think technology companies want you to spend more or less time on apps?"
• "What tricks do apps use to keep you engaged?"
• "How do you decide what's worth your time and attention?"
• "What would the world be like if social media didn't exist?"

If you discover something concerning:

• "I saw/heard about [situation]. Can you help me understand what happened?"
• "I'm not angry, but I am concerned. Let's talk about it."
• "What would you do if a friend came to you with this problem?"
• "How can I support you through this?"
• "What do you think you could do differently next time?"