We all know we spend too much time on our devices. Whether that’s scrolling through social media on our phones or playing video games, time often runs away with us and we’ve spent hours staring at a screen before we know it.
Video games and phone apps are not a bad thing, and are incredibly beneficial to our lives in many ways. But like any good thing, screen time must be enjoyed in moderation. There are countless studies that highlight the negative effects electronic devices can have on our children’s health. Too much time spent using this technology can lead to a decline in memory, attention, and cognitive function, as well as contributing to vision problems, bad posture, and poor mental health.
But what can you do to prevent these consequences in your children? All kids have phones, iPads and other devices, so it’s becoming harder and harder to control screen time. Children now need phones for schoolwork and socializing with friends so it’s not practical to implement an all-out ban. You need to find a strategy to limit screen time without causing problems.
Here are tips you can use for helping your child to live in the real world.
Set expectations
Simply telling your child to spend less time on their phone is not good enough. It’s likely that they just see their consoles and devices as a fun bit of technology and don’t realize that it is bad for them. As a parent, you need to explain the reasons for imposing these restrictions, and set expectations for the rules they need to follow. Create household goals about being intentional with one’s screen time, meaning you should only pick up your phone or other device with purpose, not just for the aim of killing a few spare minutes on Instagram. These expectations will enable your child to realize when they are overdoing it, and can be more accountable for their actions.Impose screen-free periods
We all need to use our phones occasionally, and there’s nothing wrong with playing a video game for some light entertainment. But there needs to be limits. Set a period of time each day in which no screens are used. This could be after dinner, or before lunchtime on a weekend. Use this time to read books, play indoor games as a family, or get outside and have some exercise. This screen-free time will enable your kids to make some memories and look after their health.Set a good example
If your child sees you staring aimlessly at your phone all day, they will come to think there is nothing wrong with it. Make sure you set a good example by demonstrating a healthy relationship to technology. Try to use your phone only when absolutely necessary, and do all your social media interactions or doom scrolling in a separate room. As well as setting an example to your child, it will also help you to cut down on your own phone usage.Promote other activities
Too many children spend large portions of their day online, so just taking their phones away from them could leave them with a blank void with nothing to fill it. Try to promote other, more wholesome activities to which they can devote their time. Get them to sign up for a sports team or join a local club such as arts and crafts or dance. Use your weekends for family days out, going for walks and bike rides or visiting local attractions. They will have much more fun than they would staring at a screen.Limit phone functionality
Your child will undoubtedly need a phone in order to make calls and send texts. This is especially important to you as a parent when you send them off to school on their own. You need to know they can contact you, or the emergency services, in the event of a major issue. But that doesn’t mean they need to have access to the entire, unrestricted content of the internet. And it is possible to limit their phone’s functionality to minimize distractions and reduce screen time. Many phones allow you to set up parental control to filter out certain types of content or limit time spent on apps. Or you could even choose to buy them a minimalist phone that allows calls and texts but very little else. Your child might be frustrated by these restrictions, but they will thank you in the long run.By following these five tips, you will empower your child to spend less time on their phone, and more time engaging with their real world.
