You wonder about using the screen most of the time, so you are looking to control your child's screen time. So, there are a few ways with tech tools and through open communication. Some of them are mentioned:
Talk it out: Discuss screen time with your child and develop reasonable limits. This will help them understand the reasoning and become more invested.
Schedule screen time: Designate specific times of day for screen use and stick to them. This could be after homework is done or at certain times on weekends.
Tech Tools: Most devices have built-in parental control options. Set daily time limits or intercept certain apps during specific times (like bedtime).
Consider Apps: There are parental control apps you can download that offer more options, like filtering content and tracking app usage.
Create screen-free zones: Certain areas of the house, like the dinner table or bedrooms, can be declared tech-free zones.
Plan engaging activities: Offer alternative activities during non-screen times. This could be playing outside, board games, reading, or spending time together.
Lead by example: Spending a lot of time on your phone or computer sets the tone for your child. Limit your own net time, specifically around the kids.
Breaking kids off screen time can be challenging, but there are ways to reduce their reliance on devices and gradually encourage other activities. Here are some tips:
Establish clear rules about when and where screens are allowed. Create a family media plan that includes daily or weekly screen time limits, and designate tech-free zones like bedrooms or mealtimes.
Kids mimic what they see. If you're constantly on your phone, it sends the message that screen time is always OK. Put your phone away during playtime and family meals.
Reduce screen time for every person in the household, not only the childrens. Set aside gadget-free times for family activities like board games, playing outside, or reading together.
Have a variety of toys, books, art supplies, and games readily available to capture your child's attention. Plan outings to parks, playgrounds, or museums to provide active, screen-free fun opportunities.
Not all screen time is created equal. If your child does use devices, encourage educational apps, games, or shows that promote creativity and learning.
The amount of screen time that's OK for kids depends on their age. Here's a general guideline:
Under 18 months: No screen time is best, except video chatting with a caregiver.
18-24 months: Limit screen time to high-quality programming watched with a caregiver.
2-5 years old: No more than one hour per day of screen time, focusing on educational content and co-viewing with a parent or sibling.
Five years old and older: Two hours of screen time per day, not including schoolwork.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the healthy amount of screen time per day can vary depending on your age, health, and lifestyle. However, there are some general guidelines that you can follow.
Children: Most Academies recommend no screen time for children under two years old. For children ages 2-5, they recommend limiting screen time to no more than 1 hour per day of high-quality programming.
Teenagers: There are no official screen time recommendations for teenagers, but experts recommend that they focus on limiting their time on social media and other passive activities.
Adults: There is no recommended screen time limit for adults, but experts recommend that you be mindful of your screen time and get enough sleep and exercise. They also recommend limiting your time on social media, as excessive social media use has been linked to depression and anxiety.
