How to Manage Screen Time for Your Children

03/08/2020

For the past decade, digital device technology has been on a steep raise with advanced gaming programs, TV animations, and applications that are only a touch away. Children are endlessly entertained and viewing more hours of screen time by the age. Screen time has become an issue because children would rather play games and watch TV than play outside or enjoy a good meal. Not only children but adults also find themselves glued to their screen. Too much screen time may cause disturbance to a child’s development and physical health such as developing a short attention span and obesity. Technology is a huge resource to educators because children are deeply connected with electronics, but even school districts have to set a limit on their screen time. Outside of school, l parents are faced with the challenge of detaching their children from a digital device. Most children get angry and have temper tantrums when it is time to step away from their device.

Professionals have put together a check list so you can check if your child is using screen time in a healthy and balanced way. For younger children, it is important to get enough rest; screen time before bed can interrupt a healthy sleeping schedule. Kids of all ages should get at least an hour of daily outside activities such as riding bikes and playing sports (Morin, 2020). Performing well academically; children who receive too much screen time at young ages tend to have a short attention spend then normal. Enjoying family time and socializing with friends are important as well. Last on the list is digital content, parents should monitor the safety of media content to make sure it is appropriate. According to Matthew Johnson of MediaSmarts, rewarding behavior with screen time causes the child to value it more and become protective (Gagne, 2019).

If your child does not check out, here are some tips to manage screen time. It is important to explain the reasons and communicate in a way they will understand. Set a strict screen time schedule, American Academy of Pediatrics has guidelines for children of all ages. AAP also created a website for parents to manage screen time accustomed to their family’s schedules. Do not use digital devices to calm or distract kids, they will use this gesture as a problem solver. Encourage kids to be active and value family time. There are many apps to monitor what your child watches or apps used by them (Gagne, 2019). Parents need to also comply with the restrictions as much as possible. It takes time for children to willingly unplug by the end of the day; patients is the key.

More Information

Video: “American Academy of Pediatrics Announces New Recommendations for Children’s Media Use” ,      American Academy of Pediatrics. 10/21/2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAIVRZ6pkoo

Video: “Help! My Kids are addicted to their gadgets” Today’s Parent. 08/15/2019. blob:https://www.todaysparent.com/b28d3d51-9184-43ca-91c5-1eaecfaaad31

Citations

“Screen Time: Checklist for Healthy Use”. Raisingchildren.net.au. 04/24/2019. https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/play-learning/screen-time-media/screen-time

Morin. A, “How to Limit Your Child’s Screen Time “. Verywell family. 01/08/2020. https://www.verywellfamily.com/tips-for-limiting-electronics-and-screen-time-for-kids-1094870

Rasmussen, E. “Screen Time and Kids: Insights from a New Report” PBS KIDS for parents. (n.d.) https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/screen-time-and-kids-insights-from-a-new-report

Gagne. C, “4 parent-tested systems you can use to limit screen time”. Today’s Parent. 06/04/2019. https://www.todaysparent.com/family/parenting/parent-tested-systems-you-can-use-to-limit-screen-time/