Screen time limits: Striking the balance for kids

From tablets and smartphones to smart TVs and laptops, screens are everywhere and technology is woven into the fabric of our daily lives. But, as every parent knows, there's a fine line between healthy screen time and digital overload so finding the right balance between the online and offline worlds is key to ensuring our kids grow up healthy, both mentally and physically.

The pros and cons of screen time for kids

Before jumping into the how-to, let's acknowledge the reality - screens aren't all bad. They can be gateways to endless learning, fun and creativity and can offer some pretty good opportunities for our children such as:

• Educational apps and games: interactive learning has never been more engaging thanks to apps which can make math fun, teach new languages and explore science in exciting ways.
• Staying connected: video calls and messaging apps help kids keep in touch with family and friends, especially when they can't be together in person.
• Creative outlets: from digital drawing to music production, technology provides platforms for them to express themselves creatively.
• Communication skills: in the digital era, being proficient in technology is crucial. Screens allow children to learn digital literacy like connecting with friends and family - skills that will be essential as they grow up.
• Entertainment and relaxation: sometimes, our little ones need a break and screens offer an easy way to wind down, plus, several games and shows promote problem-solving, strategic thinking and creativity.

However, like any tool, it can have its downsides when not kept in check. In fact, moderation is key otherwise excessive screen time can lead to:

• Health issues: too much screen time (and sitting) can lead to childhood obesity and related health problems. In addition, excessive screen time can contribute to poor sleep patterns since the blue light emitted from screens can interfere with sleep cycles.
• Mental health concerns: several studies have shown that too much screen time can negatively affect mental health and kids who are glued to their screens may be more prone to anxiety, depression and lower self-esteem, especially if they're constantly exposed to social media.
• Impact on social skills: spending more time online can mean less time engaging in face-to-face interactions, which are essential for developing strong communication and empathy.

Why setting screen time limits matters

For many parents, the biggest challenge isn't recognizing the risks of excessive screen time but rather it's knowing how to create a healthy balance and children need guidance in learning how to navigate the digital world without becoming overwhelmed by it.

By setting healthy limits, we ensure that screens don't take away from valuable real-life experiences, such as outdoor play, family dinners and creative hobbies, all of which are crucial for their development. And teaching kids to balance their screen time with these activities helps them develop a strong sense of self and build emotional intelligence.

Setting healthy screen time limits

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the following guidelines for children, however, the ideal approach is to find what works best for your family:

• Ages 0-18 months: no screen time, except for video chatting with family and friends.
• Ages 2-5: no more than one hour of high-quality programming per day.
• Ages 6 and older: time limits should be consistent, with parents setting reasonable limits based on their child's age, needs and values.

How to set and enforce screen time limits

Creating a balanced digital environment at home doesn't have to be a battle. Here are some practical tips to help you set limits and make the transition smoother for both you and your kids.

Create a family screen time plan

Involve your children in the conversation about screen time. Sit down together and create a family media plan where everyone, including parents, agrees on how much time can be spent on screens daily. For instance, the World Health Organization recommends no more than two hours of recreational screen time per day for children aged 5 to 17. You can use this as a guideline when creating your plan. Some other ground rules could include no screens during meals and having charging devices outside of bedrooms at night.

Set device-free zones

One way to limit screen time is by designating certain areas of your home as screen-free zones. The dining table, bedrooms and family spaces are great places to encourage face-to-face interactions without the distraction of devices. This will naturally limit screen time and make family time more engaging.

Encourage alternative activities

Help your children discover the joy of non-digital hobbies. This could be anything from reading, drawing and playing sports, to cooking or gardening. If you're providing fun alternatives to screens, it becomes easier for kids to shift their attention away from digital devices.

Model healthy screen habits

Kids imitate what they see. If they notice you glued to your phone or computer during dinner or family time, they're likely to do the same so model the behaviour you want to see by setting aside your devices and being fully present when spending time with your children.

Use technology to your advantage

There are several apps and parental control tools available that can help you monitor and limit your child's screen time. Many devices come with built-in settings that allow you to set daily time limits, filter, block and limit inappropriate content or schedule downtime. This makes it easier to enforce limits without constant supervision. Take a look at our guide on parental controls and how you can keep your kids safe online.

Use technology together

Make screen time a shared experience. Consider watching educational programmes as a family, play video games together and encourage teamwork and problem-solving, explore educational websites or online tours of museums and historical sites. If you're looking to boost your child's TV experience, here are top educational TV channels for all the family.

Reward compliance with positive reinforcement

Rather than focusing solely on limiting screen time, offer rewards for balanced use of devices. For example, if your child finishes their homework without distractions or goes a full day with minimal screen use, offer a reward such as extra playtime or a fun family outing.

Enforcing screen time limits may take time and patience. Be consistent and avoid giving in to tantrums or whining and just remember that by being mindful of how we use technology, we can help our kids develop a balanced approach to the digital world.

Looking for more tips on limiting screen time? Take a look at how you can create healthy tech habits at home with our family digital detox guide.

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