A Guide for Parents: Balancing Screen Time
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From tiny phone screens to massive television screens, we see screens everywhere in this era of digital technology! While technology can be entertaining and educational, an excess of screen time can lead to negative impacts on children’s minds, such as poor sleep quality, low attention spans, higher stress levels, and little to no time outdoors. As parents, you can create a balanced schedule to counter the screen time rather than eliminate it entirely. This article will give you some tips and tricks on how to create that healthy screen time balance!
1. Setting Clear Boundaries
It’s important to establish rules for how much screen time is appropriate for your child. For younger students, suggest limiting screen use to certain hours of the day. For older students, you may create a routine that includes time for homework, social media, and entertainment. A smart way to track your child’s screen time usage is by utilizing built-in features on devices, such as screen time trackers or app limits. These tools allow you to set healthy limits that align with your family’s rules and regulations. Keeping a strict schedule with screen time allows children to explore other activities and turns screen time into a privilege that can be earned as an incentive in the household.
2. Creating ‘Screen-Free’ Zones
Screens are not appropriate in every situation, therefore, it is important to establish areas in the home where screen time is not permitted. Some examples could be during meals or in the bedroom at night. Studies show that screens should be put away one hour before bed, as it stimulates the brain and makes it difficult to settle into a calm and restful state. Creating screen-free zones encourages better habits, sets boundaries, and ensures that devices do not disrupt family time, study time, or sleep schedules. To ensure these rules are maintained, you can set up spaces for schoolwork and screen-free activities. These regulations set healthy expectations for your children with respectful boundaries they can adhere to.
3. Encouraging Other Fun Activities
To prevent screens from taking over your child’s spare time, make sure they have plenty of opportunities to engage in offline activities. Encourage hobbies like reading, drawing, playing sports, or spending time outside. These activities help foster passions, reduce stress, and lower blue-light exposure, a light that affects a child’s ability to produce melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. A screen detox can help refresh a child’s mind and keep them balanced. Stephanie Lee, a clinical psychologist, recommends developing an “activity menu” with your child that grants them options for their preferred non-screen activities, so that when it is time for a screen reset, they have access to their favorite choices.
4. Modeling a Healthy Schedule
As a parent, you can be a role-model for your child. Set a positive example by being mindful of your own screen time to display a healthy, but limited relationship with your screens. Try to limit phone use during family meals and in screen-free zones so that your child will think to do the same. Prioritize face-to-face communication with your child as you limit your own blue-light exposure, while building positive family dynamics. If you can adhere to the set screen-time boundaries, so can your child.
Screen time does not have to be seen in a negative light. With well-thought-out rules and clear expectations, parents and students can create a healthy balance that supports both productivity and relaxation. By prioritizing the quality of media intake over the quantity of screen time, families can utilize technology in a way that improves their household.