Key points about smart devices and diabetes
- smart devices can help some tamariki and rangatahi manage their diabetes
- most tamariki with diabetes do not need a phone to manage their condition
- healthy routines and boundaries help tamariki use technology safely
- parents and caregivers play an important role in supporting safe device use
Why might my child use a smart device for diabetes?
Many tamariki and rangatahi with type 1 diabetes use a phone or smart device as part of their diabetes care. They can receive glucose readings from a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). Some also use a phone to help manage their insulin pump.
Using a phone is not essential for diabetes management. If you don’t want your child to have a phone, talk to your diabetes team about other options. The only insulin pump currently requiring a mobile phone is the YPSO pump.
Smart devices can be useful tools for diabetes management. But they also provide access to games, social media and other online content. Having routines and boundaries around technology is healthy. It can help support your child's sleep, physical activity and emotional wellbeing.
Supporting your child to use devices safely
Clear rules can help tamariki and rangatahi use technology safely and develop healthy habits.
Tamariki learn from the adults around them. Try to model healthy device use yourself.
Many whānau (families) find it helpful to create a plan around device use. This could include:
- setting clear limits around recreational screen time
- using devices only for diabetes management from dinnertime until the next morning
- avoiding screen time for 2 hours before bedtime
- not using devices while eating
- agreeing on consequences if devices are not used safely
- using parental controls where appropriate
- requiring permission before downloading new apps or features
- making sure a parent or caregiver knows the device passcode so they can check digital activity occasionally
- keeping the device within Bluetooth range overnight if needed for diabetes management
- placing the device away from the bed overnight and turning off all sounds except diabetes alerts
See the page on making a family technology plan for more information and ideas.
Screen Time - Making A Family Technology Plan
How to help your child stay safe online
Talk with your child about staying safe online.
Help them learn:
- how to block and report people online
- only to use websites, apps and content that are appropriate for their age
- how to protect personal information
- only to share information they would be comfortable sharing with parents, caregivers or teachers
- to talk to a trusted adult if something online makes them uncomfortable or worried
For more information see the keeping children safe online page.
Screen Time - Keeping Children Safe Online
What parents and caregivers can do
Parents and caregivers play an important role in supporting their child's digital journey.
When setting up a phone or device:
- talk to your internet provider about available safety features
- set up parental controls and age-related filters
- make sure you register the device with your child's correct age
- check screen-time settings and reports
- review privacy settings together
Many internet providers in Aotearoa New Zealand have information on keeping tamariki safe online.
Should I know about the apps and games my child uses?
Yes. Take time to learn about the apps, games and online platforms your child uses. Understanding how they work can help you support your child to use them safely.
More information and support
'Keep it real' offers practical advice to help parents and caregivers support children to stay safe online and develop healthy digital habits.
Common sense media provides trusted reviews, ratings and advice to help families choose age-appropriate apps, games, movies and digital content.
Google family link lets parents manage screen time, approve app downloads and set digital boundaries for their child's Android device. See the google family link page to learn more.
Apple Family Safety provides tools to help parents manage screen time, content access and communication settings across Apple devices. See the Apple website to learn more.
