There’s no denying that technology has taken over our lives in many different ways. For one, electronic screens have become an integral part of our daily life. Whether we admit it or not, it has been one of our go-to parenting solutions.
No judgment here, mama. We all have our reasons why we allow our little ones to have a date with their tablet or mobile phone. While the debate about the benefits and dangers of screen time on children is never ending, parents find themselves continuously asking how much screen time is good and bad. Or will it hinder or enhance their child’s development?
While it’s nearly impossible to not use technology in this day and age, you can follow certain guidelines so that your kid maintains a healthy relationship with technology. Here’s how you can manage their screen time:
1. Check expert recommendations on screen time.
Even when you subscribe to the belief “My child, my rules,” you may still want to consider what experts are saying about the recommended amount of screen time based on your little one’s age. While there is no right or wrong answer, the World Health Organization recommends the following:
- Kids less than 1 year of age: Screen time is not recommended
- Kids 1 to 2 years of age: No screen time for a 1-year-old. No more than an hour for 2-year-olds, with less time preferred.
- 3 to 4 years old: No more than one hour
- Until 18 months of age: Limit screen use to video chatting along with an adult
- Between 18 and 24 months of age: Limited to watching educational programming with an adult
- For kids 2 to 5 years of age: Limit non-educational screen time to about 1 hour per weekday and 3 hours on the weekend days
- For kids 6 and older: Encourage healthy habits and limit activities that include screens
2. Set a fixed screen time.
This can vary from parent to parent. Note though that doing this is your first step to ensuring that there is good balance in your child’s use of technology. A kid who is given unlimited access to technology will never know when to stop. So it’s a must to impose limits and closely monitor time spent glued on the screen as early as possible.
You can use apps to help you monitor and limit your child’s screen time. Try Kaspersky Safe Kids, Net Nanny, or Screen Time.
3. Avoid using gadgets during meal times.
Allowing kids to use mobile devices while eating can be convenient, but it can also be damaging to their habits. Model this behavior as well (no mobile phones on the dinner table, mamas!). When they see you using your gadgets excessively, young ones will think that the behavior is acceptable. Remember, focus on your plate and not on your phone.
4. Impose a cutoff for all gadgets one hour before bedtime.
Instill good sleeping habits in your child as early as now by ensuring they get enough rest and sleep. After all, they need to be well-rested to be able to perform well in school and stay healthy. For them to hit the sack faster, shut off electronic screens—aka sleep stealers—at least an hour before bedtime.
5. Encourage outdoor activities.
Ultimately, the goal is for our kids to spend less time glued to their gadgets and more time exploring their surroundings. Give them a more attractive alternative to their video games. What about a family camping, a quick hike, or anything that will make your kids fall in love with nature—and eventually want to spend more time outdoors!
