Screen time is becoming a major issue for parents all around the country, and some experts have expressed concerns about the effects of screens on brain development. It has been estimated that children between the ages of 8 and 12 spend over 4 hours a day on average looking at screens.
It has also been estimated that the average time a child spends watching screens has doubled over the last 4 years. This is why it’s important that you teach your children how to develop different interests that will have them interact with the real world more.
Technology allows children to access unlimited information from different parts of the world. However, this is actually a double-edged sword because it’s also through this accessibility that children are exposed to dangers. Spending too much time with their tablets or computers will prevent the child from spending time with their families, and might even hinder their development.
Fortunately, all is not lost because parents and guardians can still do a lot of things to ensure that their child will limit or cut down on screen time. Here are some things that you can do to limit your child’s screen time:
Be an Example
If you spend half the evening binge-watching Netflix while eating bonbons, don’t expect your child to be outside playing hopscotch. You want to set an example first and show them different ways that they can have fun. Regardless of how you instruct your children to limit their screen time, if you spend most of your hours in front of your phone, don’t expect to see any positive results. Remember, your children are innocent, and will likely copy the behavior they usually see in adults.
One thing you should do is get them involved in your hobbies. Children usually want to do whatever grownups are doing, so if you can have them be a helper in your workshop, or draw with them, they might start developing a new interest.
You can also use other platforms, such as Keep Toddlers Busy, or ask friends to help you come up with activities that you can enjoy with your children. Aside from hobbies, these platforms can teach you easy DIY crafts that you and your children will surely enjoy!
Connect their Online and Offline Hobbies
Another clever way that you can get your children off the screen is by finding offline hobbies that are directly correlated with their online interests. For instance, if they like a certain TV series or superhero, you could get them to read actual comics. Or you could get them to start collecting items related to them. These activities will surely take your children’s minds off of their gadgets, supplementing their development. When done with peers, these activities can also help your child make new friends and practice cooperation.
One great example is Pokémon cards. If your children like Pokémon, Pokémon cards are a great way to give them something to do outside of watching screens. You can get Pokemon cards by the box, and you’d be surprised at how immersive the card game is. Before you know it, you’ll be holding Pokémon parties in your living room, and they’ll have the chance to connect with other children and develop their social skills.
Don’t be Afraid to be a Parent
Too many parents try to be friends with their children, but you have to remember that you’re the authority. You have to know when to put your foot down and make tough decisions. And this includes limiting screen time.
It’s common for parents to say “yes” to the requests of their children. But if you want to keep them safe from the dangers of technology, you should know how to practice authority. Once you set a schedule on how long your children are allowed to use their gadgets, make sure that you stick to it. As a parent, you shouldn’t change your rules just because your children start to cry or throw tantrums.
It’s also important, however, that you don’t make random and arbitrary decisions. Let them know when and how much they’re allowed to use their tablet. Depending on their age, you can also explain to them why you’re implementing this rule in the first place. Children are much more open when you let them know that it’s in their best interest. You can also offer rewards to your children whenever they follow your rules.
Get Rid of the Cable
This might seem drastic, but if you can’t get your child to follow the rules, you could get rid of the cable completely. Millions of families are cutting the cord these days anyway, and this will allow you to have better control over what they watch.
But more importantly, it will change your family dynamic. You’ll have more chances to have dinner together and get involved in their lives. They might be unhappy at first, but once they get used to it, they’ll end up forgetting they even had a TV. So, don’t be afraid to change, and consider the benefits not only for your child but your family as a whole.
As you can see, getting your child to cut on-screen time isn’t that difficult after all. The most important part is making sure that you preach by example, and teach them how to embrace real-world hobbies while being ready to lay down the law.
