Are you worried that your kids spend too much time on their laptops, tablets or smartphones? Here are 7 tips for parents for managing kids screen time:
#1. Count up the Total Screen Time
First work out how much total time the kids are spending on:
- TV or DVDs
- Video games
- Mobile phones
- Computer/internet (excluding homework)
#2. Let your kids earn screen time
Have a system where your kids can earn screen time by completing chores or by completing a physical activity, so e.g. 30 minutes of football or walk or cycle = 15 minutes of screen time.
#3. Cut back as a family
Lead by example, and consider cutting your own screen time too. Maybe choose a day of the week when no screen time happens so you can e.g. play games together or take a walk instead.
You might like reading Screen Time : How Much is Too Much for Kids?
#4. Use a Timer
Your kids will find it harder to ignore an actual timer rather than mum or dad saying time’s up.
#5. Let your child pick
Give your kids a set amount of screen time each day and let them decide how they want to use it so they can choose if they want to watch TV, play video games, or go on the Internet.
#6. Make Screen Time a Privilege
If children misbehave remove screen time so that it is a privilege and not a right.
#7. Make a “No Technology” Zone or Zones in your House
Create a zone or zones in the house where no technology is allowed, e.g. the dining room which is reserved for meals and family conversation.
Related : Advice for Parents about Kids on Instagram, 5 Tips for Parents on Tablet and Smartphone Online Safety & Tips for Parents on Safer Searching on the Internet
Do you have a tip for parents that has worked in your house for screen time? Share it with us in the comments below.
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We have recently brought in some new rules about screen time (ipod, computer, DS), limiting to 30 mins at a time with a max of 1 hour a day and no moving from one screen to another. TV time has also been reduced to 2 sessions of 30 mins per day – the positive impact this has had on behaviour and family time is remarkable and the threat of a valuable 30 min session being removed for bad behaviour is a very powerful tool to have. I find now that most days the TV is not even switched on and usually only one 30 min computer session would be used – I’d recommend it to anyone.