For older generations, screen time wasn’t a source of debate. For a long time, people outnumbered the screens in their homes. Furthermore, the content on TV wasn’t always the best. Today, however, the digital entertainment landscape is very different. There will almost always be more screens than there are people. In fact, the number of services that people have signed up for will probably outnumber the people in a given house. Plus, all you need to do is spend 5 minutes online to see how far entertainment has come today.
It’s safe to say, spending time in front of a screen has not only become more appealing but the norm. Even when showing your kids the right content (such as educational free kid’s cartoons), spending too much time in front of a screen isn’t good for your kids. Keeping screens away from your kids entirely is an unreasonable expectation, but it is possible to limit it. In this guide, we’ll show you how to do it.
Lead by example
Your kids look up to you and will try to emulate your behavior as best they can. Take a moment to think about how often your kids see you using a screen. Every time you’re casually scrolling in their presence, watching your favorite shows, working at a computer, and using a tablet, they take note and believe that this is how they should be spending their time too. We understand that screens are an essential part of daily life for many of us, but it’s likely that you’ve developed a few bad habits that you may be accidentally passing on to your children.
So, like other aspects of life, you need to lead by example when it comes to screen time with your kids. Show them that they don’t need to be glued to them constantly and that there are other ways that you can spend your time. A great place to start is by minimizing the time that you spend on social media in front of them – we could all do a little less pointless scrolling. Another tip is to make screen time a group activity. For example, regular family movie nights can allow you all to enjoy some screen time together.
Foster other interests
It seems obvious, but it’s worth repeating; if your kids enjoy other hobbies and activities, they won’t want to spend as much time in front of a screen. Screens are an easy win; sit down, open your favourite entertainment, feel good. This is why you can’t simply expect your kids to pursue other things themselves. Take them to music lessons, encourage them to participate in sports, and help them find their passion for art and other creative pursuits or anything else that they may enjoy. This may mean sacrificing some evenings or weekends, but it will be worth it in the long run.
Add passcodes to devices
Adding a barrier to access is a great way to cut down screen time. If your kids can access your devices whenever they like, they will take full advantage. This is why adding passcodes to devices and not allowing personal devices can help to cut down screen time.
Build screen time into a schedule
Another helpful tactic is to build screen time into the daily routine of your kids. This could mean a window before or after school where your kids are allowed screens. Giving them some time will help to satisfy their cravings whilst keeping a cap on time spent on devices.
Final Thoughts
By following the tips in this guide, you’ll be able to minimize the time your kids spend in front of a screen.