How To Reduce Children’s Screen Time
The use of electronic gadgets with screens has become ubiquitous. Time spent in front of a screen isn’t limited to watching television or using a mobile phone; it also includes activities like utilizing a self-checkout lane at the supermarket or reading the latest novel by a favorite author on a tablet.
Reduced screen time has been linked to better physical health, lower rates of obesity, and more time for play and exploration, despite screens’ pervasive presence in modern life. Consistent exposure to low-quality media has been related to a variety of adverse outcomes, including but not limited to:
- Obesity
- Poor bedtime routines and not getting enough rest
- Issues with Behaviour
- Delays in the acquisition of social and linguistic abilities
- Violence
- Trouble paying attention
How Can You Limit Your Child’s Screen Time? Why Is It Necessary To Limit Screen Time?
There have been many good reasons to be thankful for technology’s capacity to entertain and distract children, especially during the outbreak. Because the images on screens are always present and the child cannot create their own, excessive screen time can also hurt a child’s ability to visualize.
Visualization skills are crucial for success in reading, writing, spelling, comprehension, and even mathematics. The auditory system is also impacted. Because screens are primarily a visual medium, the auditory system must be utilized more.
Tips To Reduce Screen Time
Remember that children’s brains benefit more from unstructured activity than from exposure to technological media. Children under two benefit most from social interactions and play with adults and older children.
Some forms of screen time, like those that feature music, movement, and stories, may benefit children as young as two. Reading, playing, and problem-solving are all excellent activities, but passive screen time should not take their place.
Device-Free Zone
Establish ‘NO SCREEN TIME’ zones in your house. The whole family will participate together in these activities. The dinner table is not a place for card games or idle conversation. Make sure there is no TV in any of the guest rooms.
Reduce your phone time. Furthermore, it is not proper table manners to use gadgets during a meal. Read on to find out why. Allow children to play and be themselves in your garden without the distraction of electronic devices. Put electronics away or at a charging station in an open space during screen-free hours so they aren’t a temptation to your children
Activate Other Interests
When it is time to limit screen time, try replacing it with something even more fun. Perhaps you will tell your friends, “Tablet time is over now, but I’m eager to play a card game with you!” Your family may all benefit from taking a break from their electronic devices and instead reading, completing puzzles, enjoying board games, going outdoors, and socializing. You may keep your youngster occupied without resorting to screen time by providing them with stimulating alternatives.
Promote Unsupervised Playtime
A parent’s life, mainly a single parent’s, may be challenging. No matter how your family operates, there will come a moment when you need some quiet to get things done or reset your mental gears. Can we accomplish this goal without promoting more screen time? Fortunately, there is, and it goes by “independent play.”
Even very young children may be encouraged to play alone with little practice. Most children will be OK playing alone for brief periods if provided with enjoyable activities. If this is a novel aspect of the parent-child relationship, it may be introduced gradually.
As they get used to the routine, you can gradually increase the time allotted. It is crucial to talk to your kid when you are just starting; do not get frustrated if they push back. They must get their emotions acknowledged. If you tell them you will play with them later, follow through.
Independent play at the same time every day is something some parents find helpful. Do it shortly after breakfast with somewhat older kids or before naptime with toddlers. Giving them your whole focus and time before allowing them to engage in free play can assist immensely with the latter.
Communicate Honestly And Openly With Your Kids
This is particularly crucial when kids age and start independently using screens for learning and socializing. It’s hard to anticipate what will happen this autumn when students return to classrooms.
Teach Your Children How To Use The Internet
First, we must teach kids about the Internet and its many uses and benefits. Regarding online information, parents are responsible for teaching their children what is appropriate and what might be harmful.
Your kid should never post anything online that you wouldn’t want the whole world to see, and you should remind them of this often. Explain to them that anything posted online will be there indefinitely. They may better grasp the significance of what you mean & be more cautious in their internet activities.
Avoid Using Screen Time As A Motivator Or A Consequence
Please stick to the restrictions you have set for your children, and don’t let them earn more screen time in any way. Do not utilize screen time as an incentive unless necessary. You may use this to congratulate your children on their positive behavior or other achievements.
Parents should realize that there are alternatives to utilizing media to calm children, just as it is essential to teach children the value of moderation. Media might be helpful when you need children to remain quiet and still immediately — for example, at the airport, on a plane, at the doctor’s office, etc.
Be A Role Model
It is the best practice to do what we preach before we try to persuade others to do it. They believe parents are their children’s earliest and most influential role models, so think twice before settling in for a marathon of that show you have been meaning to watch for ages. In many ways, your children will take after you. The same goes for always having the TV on in the background as you idly read your phone or social media, especially in the presence of your children.
Have A Conversation With Your Children About The Risks Of Excessive Screen Use
Young children have no chance of coming to such a deep understanding. Still, you may start teaching and encouraging them to pursue interests outside television and digital media early on. You will have tremendous success enforcing screen time limits if your children see that you are doing it for their good rather than as punishment.
You may talk to your kids in a language they will understand about the dangers of watching improper films and playing violent video games while being exposed to inappropriate imagery. Explain the dangers of internet predators and fraud and how you can all work together to keep your children safe.
Unfortunately, cyberbullying is a real problem that can affect children who lack the maturity to manage online interactions independently. Find a solution that respects your child’s privacy and independence while being mature and family-friendly.
Teach Good Manners
Adolescents now spend significant time engaging in online connections and on social media. If your adolescent knows what constitutes proper behavior in these settings, experts say it is OK for them to participate. Remember that your kid is looking up to you for indications on how and when it is appropriate to use devices.
You will need to continue to direct, supervise, and monitor the amount of time your child spends even as they become older. However, you can assist in guaranteeing a secure environment by establishing rules for your home and revising them as your kid develops.
Make Your Kid Justify Their Gadget Usage With An Explanation
When your children beg to use a gadget, asking them why might stimulate deep thought, a person may request its usage for a variety of reasons, including boredom, habit, or the desire to engage in some creative activity, such as making a film or playing an interactive video game.
If kids are not asking for screen time because they’re bored, most parents are likelier to give it. If they are bored and seeking anything to do, you can quickly refocus their attention by asking them why. You may further ask individuals why they prefer using screens and what draws them to them.
They will appreciate you listening to their replies and providing insight into their passions. This will pave the way for them to feel safe talking to you about any digital incidents they feel uncertain or uneasy about. While this strategy is most effective for older children, it is always early enough to teach the importance of moderation regarding screen time.
Are engaged sometimes during screen time, and even test some applications before kids use them. So that you can both make an informed decision about whether or not the new applications will be helpful to them, you should solicit their feedback.
Remove (Or Hide) Time-Wasting Apps
Do you prefer to purchase online or lazily surf through social media apps? One effective strategy for reducing screen time is to uninstall time-wasting applications. You may always visit their websites if you remove the applications but ever need to use them.
Removing applications from your phone or tablet might help you reclaim some of your time and make room for new ones. Furthermore, uninstalling specific apps can greatly enhance privacy.
Don’t feel like uninstalling your apps? The applications you do not want to keep using should be hidden so they are not readily accessible from the home screen. Numerous techniques exist for obfuscating software. Some Samsung devices include a secure folder to hide apps from prying eyes.
Taking Fewer Pictures
Many of us like using social media to share visual records of our daily lives. Some individuals create a mission to capture the ideal image, while others just want to share their favorite memories. It may take hundreds of shots before you find even 10.
When you next come upon a photo-worthy scene, what will you do? Take a few great shots and then put the phone away so you can enjoy the moment.
Choose A Hobby
Hobbies provide children with an imaginative alternative to screen time. Photography, magic, cooking, sculpture, ceramics, chess, astronomy, and even making rockets with a parent are hobbies that may turn into lifelong pursuits. When they return online, they can use social media to find people who share their interests and learn from each other.
Right Ways to Begin And End The Day
Every household member should refrain from using gadgets during the first half an hour after getting up and the last half an hour before sleeping. Instead of creating a stress reaction by reading the news or checking your social media, give your brain a chance to wake up and relax. Both the quality of your sleep and your general disposition will improve dramatically.
Create A Family Media Strategy
The parents must impose discipline, but children are more likely to comply if they feel they have a voice. Gather your children around the table and discuss your concerns about screen time. With their input, you can develop a family media plan that spells out the ground rules for using electronic devices in the home. The American Academy of Paediatrics has created a media time calculator that may be used online to visually represent your family’s screen time habits about other aspects of daily life.
Conclusion
How much time should children spend in front of the TV? This is not a simple question to answer, but it is crucial. You, as a parent, know your child best and want what is best for them, but here are some rules to remember. You may find a wealth of information to assist you choose on the best course of action. We are hoping you have found this article to be informative and useful.
Similar read : How To Keep Summer Allergy Symptoms In Check
