Tips for Parents to Encourage Healthy Screen Time Habits

Screens, for the mere fact that they exist, are pervasive in our society today. They have done more than simply add another dimension to the way we earn a living, learn, and even entertain ourselves. There is much leeway to stay on technology, but healthy screen time habits in children are important because, first and foremost, we are parents, and that is where the balance between the benefits of technology and the ingestion of exercise, social living, and mental well-being comes in.

Here are ten effective tips for encouraging healthy screen time habits in your kids. These tips will ensure that they can enjoy technology without sacrificing their overall development.

1. Clear Screen Time Limits

The most effective way of instilling healthy screen time habits is through clear and consistent screen time limits. Different age groups require different levels of screen exposure. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends for young children no more than one hour of screen time per day, while older children and teenagers can manage a bit more. Setting a daily limit on the use of screens will help parents avoid interference by these irresistible displays with activities more worthwhile: homework, outdoor play, or bonding with the family.

Tip: Make your children join you in setting limits for them. When you tell them how you came up with those limits, they might take better care of them.

Do not know how to control the amount of time spent on screen activities in front of children? Set a timer, then track using an application controlling screen time, and be strict with the schedule.

2. Set Standards and Be Consistent

The best possible way in which children can be taught healthy screen time habits is when “one in charge in the same room” sets the best example. Children are likely to model their behaviours according to those of their parents. If they see you glued to your phone or computer during family time, they are likely to join you. On the other hand, one would offer a meaningful example if he or she showed mindful use of his screens and made sure face-to-face interactions surpassed digital ones. This will instil in your children that, although there is a place for technology, there are connections and interactions that should not be made at its expense.

Tip: Enforce certain zones or times that are tech-free, such as during meals or family game nights, where even the adults disengage from their devices.

3. Promote Physical Activity and Outdoor Play

One of the positive aspects of creating healthy screen time is that the child's day contains plenty of physical activity. This may mean spending a lot of time outdoors, playing sports, or just playing in the yard, which could offer a balance to sedentary screen activities. Beyond being healthy, physical movement leads to better sleep, mood, and concentration. A hobby is exactly what your child might need to detox from screen time.

Tip: Create a daily plan with equal time for screen time and physical activity. Thus, you can ask your child to take an extra 15 minutes of screen time for stretching, being physically active, or going out and playing.

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4. Use only educational-relevant content

Healthy screen time is achieved through choosing what kind of content your child watches. All screen time is not the same; there's a vast difference between mindless video-watching and watchful engagement with educational content. Choose shows, apps, or games that encourage education and also help kids develop creative thinking and problem-solving skills. Educational platforms have made improvements in critical thinking, communication, and cognitive abilities in children.

Tip: Identify apps or apps that relate to the curricular objectives of your child. Utilise established sources, such as Common-Sense Media, to determine the suitability of the content.

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5. Be involved with your child's screen activities

Even when a good amount of time is being spent on the screen, the best way to ensure that the children are using their screens under a healthy range is by interacting with them during that time. If your child is watching TV or a DVD, playing on the computer or a game system, or using an educational app, sitting with them and talking over what they are doing is much more interactive than passive use of their screens. Focus on joining them in their activity instead of opposing it head-on, validate them. This is also an opportunity to learn even more about how they're using technology and whether or not they are exposed to appropriate content for their age.

Tip: Take this screen time as a bonding time and enjoy educational shows or play interactive games together.