As kids return to classroom health educators emphasize ‘family digital well-being’
As children return to the classroom this week, Cook County Public Health is reminding families to set boundaries around digital devices and screen use at home.
A prevention article with guidelines for establishing healthy habits with technology was distributed in school newsletters and is available online. The article advises that if families adopt only one rule, it should be to keep screens out of the bedroom.
“There is known effects of the radio frequency of the devices while you are sleeping. There is a safety component during sleeping,” Public Health Educator and Youth Prevention Coordinator, Rocio Rivas told WTIP. “It will keep your brain in an active pattern. It’s recommended to not use a device, TV, or anything with screens for at least 30 minutes before you go to bed.”
The article suggests creating a shared charging space in the home to encourage openness and accountability. Adults are encouraged to model good behavior for children.
“We, like all generations, didn’t grow up with this, but our kids are with it since the moment that they opened their eyes,” Rivas said. “So their connection and their relationship with devices is different than ours.”
The article acknowledges the benefits of digital devices and their importance in the classroom. Children use the internet to form social connections. During the pandemic, online learning was necessary for the safety of children.
“But it does have a lot of downsides and downfalls that are the most dangerous, like cyberbullying,” Rivas said. “Being present and trying to get involved in what your kid is using online is the best way to try to prevent something bad from happening. Sometimes kids will deny or will hide the things that are happening.”
Rivas said adults should keep an open mind when talking to children about device use to encourage more honest conversations.
The article also highlights the 988 Safe Line, a national service that allows people to call, chat or text 988 to connect with trained support.
Rivas led a group of high school students last year who received training and shared information with peers.
“We were at Grand Portage youth group. We were at the Grand Marais youth group, and both schools, GES and ISD, were presenting to seventh and eighth graders related to 988–how easy it is to use it.”
Cook County Public Health will promote the 988 service and other public health initiatives at the upcoming Radio Waves festival.
For more information on family digital well-being or other youth-related topics, contact Rivas at 218-264-9236 or rocio.rivas@co.cook.mn.us.
WTIP spoke with Rivas about family digital well-being, 988, and other topics. The full audio of that conversation is available below.
Josh Hinke September 6, 2025
