Many parents and caregivers struggle to manage their kids’ use of technology. Whether it’s an elementary schooler binging YouTube shorts or a teen dealing with social media-induced anxiety, the struggles are real. In a recent Wirecutter reader survey, only 9% of parents said they felt confident managing their kids' tech use, and many felt overwhelmed by screen addiction and "brain rot" content. This week, Wirecutter writers Signe Brewster and Ellen Lee walk us through their comprehensive guide (https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/how-to-introduce-technology-to-kids/?eafs_enabled=false) on how and when to introduce different types of technology across every age. They discuss why tech addiction is often a broader societal issue (rather than an individual parenting failure), how to establish healthy digital habits early on, the pros and cons of location tracking, and practical tools to help older kids self-regulate before heading off on their own. This episode covers:  • Early tech for young kids: Experts recommend minimizing screens before age 2. When introducing media, stick to high-quality content and apps that have "walled gardens" where kids can safely make their own choices. • Avoiding "dark patterns": How to spot predatory app designs that manipulate young kids into playing longer. • How to approach location tracking: While tracking devices like AirTags and smartwatches offer peace of mind, they can inadvertently signal to kids that the world is unsafe or normalize constant surveillance. Experts suggest using tracking during transitional periods or as a temporary safety tool. • Determining phone readiness: There is no single "magic age" for a first smartphone. Readiness depends on your child's maturity, independence, and specific daily needs. • Social media and self-regulation: Navigating algorithmic feeds and FOMO can be a real challenge for teens. But tools exist for helping manage screen time, including self-regulation apps like Clearspace (https://www.getclearspace.com/) and physical focus devices like The Brick (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GQ6VV79M/?tag=thewire06-20&linkCode=xm2&ascsubtag=F0401KHVM3BGT81NSH02YJ6NKQ9PS) Products we recommend:  • A device that blocks your most distracting apps: Brick (https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74621/242297/57/263009) • PBS Kids Apps (https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/84318/244341/57/263012) (for curated, high-quality preschool content) • Common Sense Media (https://wrctr.co/4izqXJZ) (for age-appropriateness ratings and reviews). • Signe loves: NÜDL bike helmets (https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/84320/244344/57/263013) • Ellen loves: Trader Joe’s Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches (https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/81417/239186/57/263010) Additional reading: • A Step-by-Step Tech Guide for Parents Who Live in the Real World (https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/how-to-introduce-technology-to-kids/?eafs_enabled=false/?utm_source=the_wirecutter_show&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=episode_number_127) • 10 Tips for Managing (and Reducing) Your Kid’s Screen Time (https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/kids-tech-tips-tricks-for-parents/?utm_source=the_wirecutter_show&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=episode_number_127) • The Best Ways to Track Your Kid (And Why You Might Not Want To)  (https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/best-ways-to-track-your-kid/?utm_source=the_wirecutter_show&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=episode_number_127) • 6 Parents on How They Handle Tech (https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/i-just-want-to-preserve-their-childhood-6-parents-on-navigating-technology/?utm_source=the_wirecutter_show&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=episode_number_127) We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› (https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/about/) The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, Catherine Anderson, Rowan Niemisto and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset. #KidsAndTech, #ParentingTips, #ScreenTime, #TheWirecutterShow, #Wirecutter, #TechForKids, #FirstSmartphone, #ParentingInTheDigitalAge, #SocialMediaForTeens, #ParentalControls, #DigitalParenting, #FamilyTech, #BrainRot, #ScreenTimeLimits, #SmartphonesForKids, #DigitalLiteracy, #ParentingAdvice, #TechSafety, #RaisingTeens, #ChildDevelopment