As a parent, you are often concerned about how much time your children spend in front of a screen. You worry about how this might affect their academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being.
With more and more learning and social interactions happening online, parents are wondering how much screen time is too much for their kids.
It’s not a simple answer, as technology plays many roles in our society, from video chatting with loved ones to being used as a learning tool.
As a result, guidelines for screen time are evolving, too.
Screen Time Guiding Principle: Why Parents Should Limit Screen Time
Children’s healthcare experts advise that screens should not replace face-to-face interaction with a child. They emphasize that children need personal interaction with their caregivers to develop cognitive, language, motor, social, and emotional skills.
Meanwhile, excessive screen time usage can result in various negative effects, including health problems such as depression and obesity, as well as sleep disturbance. In addition, it can cause developmental delays in young children.
Healthy Device Use Starts With You, the Parent
Devices are not 100% evil; they can be helpful tools for children to learn and develop skills if they use them actively.
Digital devices can encourage creative expression. Older kids can also benefit from these electronic devices by socializing on social media, collaborating on school projects, and accessing support networks.
Experts recommend that parents should start by being aware of how and when they use their own devices. Children tend to follow their parents’ example, so if parents set limits on their own device use, it will encourage their children to do the same.
For example, if you use your devices during family time, your kids will be more likely to want to use their devices during those times, too.
When deciding to give your child a device, consider their maturity and ability to follow rules and use the device responsibly.
Tips for Parents To Limit Their Children’s Screen Time
Here are some recommendations on how to limit your children’s screen time:
- Watch shows and play games with your children so you can explain what they’re seeing. Ask them questions, sing along with them, and discuss concepts after the show. This way, they’ll remember what they learned.
- When looking for apps, games, or programs for your children, choose age-appropriate ones. You can check reviews from organizations such as Common Sense Media, which provides ratings, reviews, and advice on technology and media for families and educators.
- Balance online and offline activities and set a time for when screens are shut off for the day. Avoid using screens during mealtime, family time, and bedtime. Try to limit screen time in the car unless it’s a long trip.
- Limit your own phone use. Children follow what they see their parents doing, so if you’re on your phone all day, your children will think it’s okay to do the same.
- Encourage healthy habits like getting enough sleep, eating nutritious food, and exercising. Excessive screen time can affect all three. Studies show that children who spend lots of time on screens tend to consume more unhealthy food and get less sleep and exercise. So, it’s important to incorporate healthy choices into your kid’s daily routine and limit screen time.
Takeaway
In conclusion, not all screen time for children is as bad as you think. Digital technology is a double-edged sword—it comes with opportunities and risks.
While completely eliminating screen time may not be necessary, setting time limits and encouraging physical activity can help strike a balance. Instead of focusing on how long your kids use technology, pay more attention to what they use it for. It’s what they do online that matters.
Overall, guidelines and limits on screen time can be helpful, but it’s equally important for parents to be role models of responsible device use for their children. Children are growing up surrounded by technology, so it’s crucial to teach them how to use them properly.
If you need professional guidance or your child needs to see a therapist, Weston Family Psychology is here to help. Our specialists are dedicated to helping families achieve long-lasting positive change. You can reach us at (954) 388-8336 or via email at intake-coordinator@westonfamilypsychology.com.
