In today's world, it's almost impossible for children to avoid digital devices and screens. With the increasing use of smartphones, tablets, computers, and other electronic gadgets, parents are now faced with the difficult challenge of ensuring their children spend an appropriate amount of time on these devices.
In order to make an informed decision, it's important to understand both the pros and cons of screen time for your child. This article will address the positive aspects and the potential risks associated with too much screen-time, as well as provide practical tips on managing your child’s digital usage.
The Benefits and Risks of Screen Time for Children
Screens can be a great tool for children to explore new ideas and make learning fun. It allows them to stay connected with friends and family, as well as play their favourite games and watch videos. It provides a way for kids to explore different ideas, find information, and develop important skills such as creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
On the other hand, too much screen time can cause headaches, neck pain, eye strain, sleep problems, reduced attention span and trouble paying attention in school. Parents should carefully consider both the benefits and risks of screen time in order to create a healthy balance between using digital devices and engaging in other activities.
Practical Tips for Managing Your Child's Digital Usage
In order to find balance in your child's digital usage, it is important to create a structured plan that incorporates both screen time and other activities. Here are some practical tips on how to manage your child's digital usage:
1. Set Realistic Limits
It's important to be realistic about how much screen time your child should have based on their age and other activities they participate in during the day. A study suggests that children between the ages of 2-5 should have no more than one-hour of screen time per day, while children aged 6 and older can have up to two-hours of screen time daily.
2. Create a Schedule
Creating a schedule for your child's day can help balance the time they spend on their devices versus other activities like outdoor play, reading, or socialising. It's important to have allocated times during the day when screens are allowed, as well as set times when they are not.
Here are some ideas for what you may want to include in your schedule:
• Time for physical activities
• Quality time with friends and family
• Allocating adequate sleep time at night
• Setting boundaries on device usage times
• Creative outlets (like art projects or craft making)
• Learning new skills, such as music lessons or coding
• Incorporating healthy meals and snacks throughout the day
• Scheduling household chores or tasks that need completing
• Educational activities (like visiting a museum, reading books, etc.)
• Scheduling outdoor activities (like bike rides, walks in the park, etc.)
• Positive goals and expectations - and rewards when they are reached!
• Allowing them to pick out an activity they would like to do each day!
3. Monitor Content
Monitor the type of content your child is accessing on their digital devices. It’s your responsibility to ensure that your child is not accessing inappropriate or unsuitable content, which may affect their behavior, attitude, and values.
It can be challenging for parents to monitor their child's digital usage all the time. Luckily, there are now advanced technical support options that can help parents manage their child's screen time more efficiently. For instance, many mobile phone manufacturers have introduced apps that allow parents to regulate their child's phone usage remotely. Parental controls are also offered on websites that stream TV and movie content.
It's advised to take advantage of helpful digital tools that track and limit screen time effectively. This can ease the load on parents and provide them with peace of mind, knowing their child is safe while enjoying their devices. With the right tools and strategies, parents can help their children balance their screen time and other activities so they can thrive both online and offline.
4. Encourage Other Activities
Encourage your child to engage in activities beyond their screens, like outdoor play, family activities, reading, or creative hobbies, which can help your child to develop their motor and social skills, as well as their creativity, intellectual and emotional abilities.
Play board games, go camping, visit a museum or art gallery, cook meals together, take walks in nature, have a picnic at the park, plant trees and flowers in your garden, stargaze together on clear nights, go for bike rides around your neighbourhood or city, create an art project together...
Take it as an opportunity to bond with your child, expose them to different experiences, and provide a way for them to explore and find their hobbies and passions in life.
5. Lead By Example
Children learn by example, so it is important to show them that there are other activities beyond screens. It's essential to avoid having screen time as the only form of entertainment in the house.
6. Good Sleep Hygiene
Ensure your child's screen time activities finish at least one hour before their bedtime to minimise the risk of sleep disorders. This will help them get a good night's sleep, which can improve their physical and mental health. It also helps them avoid headaches, neck pain, eye strain, and other problems caused by too much time in front of screens.
Encouraging Your Child to Engage in Activities Beyond Screens
While digital devices can be great for learning and entertainment, spending too much time on screens can have negative effects on a child's health and development. That's why it's important to encourage your child to engage in activities beyond screens.
Research has shown that children who engage in physical activities (e.g playing sports, running, or dancing) have better physical health, improved cognitive function, and stronger social skills. Encouraging creative hobbies such as drawing, painting, or playing a musical instrument can also help children develop their artistic and intellectual abilities.
Other benefits:
• Improved mental health
Screen time has been linked to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues in children. Engaging in activities beyond screens can help to reduce stress and anxiety, while improving mood and overall well-being.
• Better academic performance
Studies have shown that children who engage in extracurricular activities like sports or music tend to have better academic performance than those who spend all their free time in front of a screen.
• Strengthened family bonds
Engaging in activities as a family, such as board games, cooking, or outdoor adventures can help to strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories.
So, how can you encourage your child to engage in activities beyond screens?
How to encourage your child to engage in other activities:
• Set a good example
Children learn best by example, so make sure you're modeling the behavior you want to see. Show your child that there are plenty of fun and fulfilling activities beyond screens.
• Create opportunities
Make sure your child has access to a variety of opportunities for physical, creative, and social activities. Sign them up for sports teams, art classes, or music lessons, or plan family outings that encourage exploration and adventure.
• Be supportive
Encourage your child to try new things, and be supportive of their interests and passions. Celebrate their successes and encourage them when they're feeling discouraged.
By encouraging your child to engage in activities beyond screens, you can help them develop a healthy and well-rounded life. Remember, it's never too late to start, so start small and build from there.
By working together we can ensure your child's digital life is healthy, enjoyable, appropriate, and most importantly, balanced. With help from our team, you can find a balance that works best for your family. We provide resources and support to families throughout this process so don't hesitate to contact us if needed!
