Screen time management and digital technology use strategies
When combined with other activities, screen time and digital technology use can be part of a healthy lifestyle for children.
You may need some screen time management tactics to accomplish this. These solutions for children aged 3 to 11 years may include:
Routines, transitions, and family rules are all factors to consider.
Screen time and digital technology usage guidelines for the family
Screen time and digital technology use family guidelines can help your child grasp your family's limits and expectations. It's best to keep the rules basic and brief for very young children. For older children, these rules could be included in a written agreement that you and your child debate, negotiate, and sign.
Here are some questions to consider while negotiating screen time with your family:
- Would you like guidelines on screen time hours? What about weekends, holidays, and days off from technology?
- When is it appropriate for your youngster to use digital technology? For example, not until after schoolwork has been completed, or not during mealtimes? Do your children have to ask you first?
- In what situations can your child use digital technology? For instance, in living rooms but not in bedrooms?
- How will your youngsters make use of digital technology? To play a puzzle app or produce animations, for example, but not to watch YouTube videos?
Creating the rules
When establishing family norms about screen usage, it is critical to include all family members. Your policies should be adaptable enough to include school days, weekends, and holidays. The guidelines must also accommodate for your child's shifting needs and interests as he or she grows.
It's a good idea to go through the guidelines every few months and anytime you bring in a new gadget. This allows you to guarantee that the rules continue to fulfil everyone's needs.
Disobeying the rules
Your youngster may occasionally violate the rules you've established. For example, your youngster may play on the tablet without first asking. You and your child can discuss and agree on some penalties for these instances. For example, the penalty for using the iPad without permission may be a day without it.
Screen time and routines
Routines teach youngsters what to do, when to do it, and how often to do it. This means that routines can assist you in incorporating screen time and digital technology use into your family life in a way that works for you and your family.
For example, if you want to limit your screen time, you might incorporate it into your routine. You may determine that your youngster may watch TV or use the iPad between 5 and 6 p.m. Alternatively, your routine could include only one programme before supper, or whatever works best for your family.
Routines might also assist you in reducing conflict over screen time. For example, if you don't want your child to use digital devices in the car, you may establish a daily routine that incorporates listening to music or family-friendly podcasts or playing 'I spy'.
Transitions in screen time
If your child is having a good time, they may find it difficult to stop watching TV or playing on the tablet. Transitioning to other activities might be made easier by planning ahead of time.
Here are some pointers:
- Prior to the commencement of a screen time session, establish your child's expectations. You may say, 'You can watch one programme' or 'You can watch till bath time'.
- Choose your moment. If possible, persuade your child to take a natural vacation from using digital devices. For example, attempt to schedule bath time when your child has completed a level in a game or when a TV show comes to a conclusion.
- When it's almost time to stop, give your child a heads-up. For example, 'Sam, it's time to turn off the TV at the conclusion of the show' or 'Sam, you have 10 minutes left on the tablet'.
Give your child time to save what they’re doing. You could offer to help – for example, you might say, ‘Ali, it’s time to stop using the computer now. Do you want me to help you save what you’re doing?’
Screen time and digital technology usage decisions
Your child is more likely to cooperate with the rules and limits if he or she has options regarding screen time and digital technology use, as well as input into your family's screen time regulations.
Choosing from a variety of healthful and high-quality selections also teaches your child how to manage screen time independently in the future.
You could give your youngster options like as:
- what to watch or do, such as 'Would you like to watch Play School or Sesame Street today?' Alternatively, 'Would you like to work on your animation or play your puzzle app?'
- When to use digital technology, such as 'Would you like to use the tablet after school or after supper today?'
- how to split up screen time, such as "Do you want to use a timer or take a break when you finish the level?" or 'Are you going to do star jumps or jog on the spot after you finish the level?'
One strategy is to encourage your youngster to make quality-based decisions regarding screen use. To accomplish this:
- Discuss with your child what constitutes a high-quality app, game, TV show, or movie.
- Play a game or watch a TV show with your youngster and discuss why it is of high quality.
- Ask your youngster whether they believe they have picked high-quality information.
