• Jul 03, 2024
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How do I manage screen time and digital media for my child?

Due to the advent of social media and the mass production of mobiles, people's screen time has increased massively. The primary consumers of these social platforms are the little ones because they spend excessive time on phones and laptops. Due to increased screen time and networking site consumption, parents often focus on reducing their kids' phone usage but find it highly complex. Read ahead to learn how to help your children get off their phones and engage in productive activities. 

 

How to control screen time for children?

 

  • Content Management: Before focusing on children's screen time, parents should focus on the quality of the content they consume. So, even if your kids are engaged in their mobiles, consuming healthy content is beneficial. The best way to manage the kids' content is to turn on the "Parenting Feature" so that it shows content appropriate to their age. Parents can also make a list of the content that their kids are allowed to watch.

 

  • Healthy Discussion: Parents should discuss the pros and cons of internet and mobile usage with their children to comprehend its benefits and risks. It would be best if they guided them towards platforms and apps that allow the kids to explore their passions and improve their skills.

 

  • Be the role model: Parents are the role models for their kids, the ones they look up to and are most influenced by. So, to develop a limited and healthy phone relationship with your little ones, parents must limit their mobile usage. Seeing you, the children will automatically change their habits.

 

How do I fix too much screen time for my child?

 

  • Phone-Free Zones: Parents are in charge of the house, so they should create zones where the kids are not allowed to use their mobiles. Some areas and periods should be strictly prohibited for the usage of phones, like in the bedroom, especially one hour before sleep time, during meals, when spending time with the parents or siblings, etc.

 

  • Alternative Activities: If your kid is consuming too much mobile, one primary reason is that they are not occupied in any productive activity. Parents should encourage their children to engage in activities that strengthen their mental and physical toughness, such as playing sports, reading books, doing social service, etc.

 

How do I manage my screen time and social media?

 

  • Use Tech Tools: You can use particular apps that allow you to restrict the kids' phone consumption and access to certain websites or platforms. Moreover, most applications offer the feature of setting the screen time and have a "Parenting" feature that simplifies to limit the kids' mobile usage.

 

  • Notification Management: Turn off the notifications on your kids' mobile phones, especially on social media platforms. Less notifications will reduce your children's distractions and allow them to focus better on their work.

 

How do I set screen time limits on my child?

 

All the social media platforms, including websites and apps, allow to limit screen time through their "Settings" section. The procedure to set the screen time varies depending on your platform. However, a few steps stay the same throughout all apps. Refer to the pointers below to set the screen time for your children. Every app has its time limit parameters, so choose the duration that suits you well and you think works best for your kid.

 

  • Browse the official website or application of the networking site.
  • To proceed further, visit the "Family" link in the "Settings" section.
  • Go to the "Controls" section and go to the "Daily limit" option.
  • Choose the time limit according to your child's suitability and your own.
  • Press the "Done" button to execute the changes and set the time limit.