How to Evaluate Tech—For You and Your Kids
Use the 5P Framework to make informed, values-aligned decisions about apps, games, and tools.
Digital tools promise everything from connection and creativity to career readiness. But every swipe, click, or download carries trade-offs.
Evaluating tech isn’t about paranoia. It’s about power—your power to make intentional decisions that reflect your values, your child’s needs, and your family’s context.
The 5P Framework
Ask these five questions before saying “yes” to a new app, game, or tool:
Purpose
What is this tool for? Why do you (or your child) want to use it?
People
Who built it? Who benefits? Who might be left out or harmed?
Privacy
What data does it collect? How is it stored, shared, or used?
Patterns
What habits does it encourage? Are the rewards intentional or addictive?
Power
Does it build your child’s skills and agency—or create dependence?
If a tool raises doubts in more than one of these areas, pause and reassess.
Real-World Application
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What does this tech promise?
What do we give up in exchange (time, privacy, mental health)?
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Ages 3–7: Co-use tools, avoid autoplay, ads, or chat features.
Ages 8–12: Prioritize skill-building tools, avoid unmoderated spaces.
Ages 13+: Involve your child in using the 5Ps to co-evaluate tools.
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“Kid-safe” ≠ safe. Test tools yourself, set trial periods, and create your own family rating.
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Good tech strengthens curiosity and shared experiences. If it isolates or distracts, it’s time to pause.
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Decide: allow, limit, or leave behind.
Adjust: use settings and conversations to make it safer.
Model: show your decision process so kids learn to do the same.
Go Deeper With the Full Report
This page gives you a condensed version of the toolkit. The full report includes extended examples, discussion prompts, and detailed context to help you apply these tools with confidence.
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Evaluating tech is not about fear. It’s about fluency—giving kids the confidence to question, test, and make decisions that reflect their values.
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