Anthony Hill is the Head of Technology at Geeks2U. He’s our resident guru of all things IT and knows the internet like the back of his hand – so we decided to ask him about managing kids’ screen time. How can parents tackle this emerging battleground and come out on top?
Tip 1: Know the Screen Time Stats
Kids stand to get a lot out of exposure to digital media. “There are a lot of educational benefits to electronic devices – phones, tablets, computers or TV, for that matter,” Anthony points out. “But you do need to balance screen time with physical activity and also interacting with people in real time and face-to-face.”
Screen time can be entertaining and educational, it can stimulate ideas and discussion, assist with hand-eye coordination and social skills and in some cases even reduce stress and anxiety. But parents should also set screen time limits – current Australian Government guidelines recommend that kids have no more than two hours per day of screen time, while children younger than two should skip it altogether.
Tip 2: Set Clear Screen Time Limits & Boundaries
Before they pick up a smartphone or iPad, establish some screen time rules so that kids learn what’s appropriate. “Work with your child, and discuss it as a family – what are the acceptable screen time limits you want to set?” Anthony advises. “Getting them involved in setting those limits actually means they’re more likely to follow them.”
If you have found screen time has increased and you are looking to reset, try establishing ground rules together. When managing kids’ screen time, it may also help if they understand why we’re setting screen time limits in the first place. PS: Did you know that setting clear boundaries and following through with fair consequences is a cornerstone of positive parenting techniques? Well, now you do.
Tip 3: Model Good Screen Time Rules & Behaviour
We know children learn by imitating the adults around them. So what happens if they see a parent constantly checking their emails, sleeping with their smartphone and texting throughout meals? “We’re in an increasingly digital age,” Anthony says. “We’re all using our phones and other digital devices all the time. But make sure you’re modelling those values that you want to set out for your children and be a good role model for screen time.”
A complete digital detox might be out of the question but there are little things you can do to break your tech habit. Start by putting tablets and smartphones in another room during meal times or when you’re sleeping. Out of sight = out of mind. Another easy option for managing kids’ screen time – as well as your own? Find some simple analog replacements where possible: ditch your notes app for a paper to-do list and switch to an old-school alarm clock.
SEE ALSO: 8 Ways to Help Kids Find Study/Life Balance
Tip 4: Emphasise Quality Screen Time
Not all screen time is created equal. “There’s quality time you might be spending on a screen,” Anthony explains. “Things like doing educational work or playing with thought-provoking educational apps, as opposed to passive screen time.”
If they’re dead keen on handling a digital device, you can still be active in managing kids’ screen time. Encourage them to engage in this “quality” type of screen time and steer clear of more mind-numbing activities, like watching YouTube videos on an endless loop. Research suggests that what kids are doing online is much more impactful than the time kids spend doing it.
Tip 5: Encourage Hands-On Digital Activities
Far from being an isolating or independent experience, screen time may actually provide the perfect opportunity for parent-child bonding. Create a digital world of online activities where you can get involved and be active; read an ebook together, experiment with photo editing apps or play a problem solving game.
Osmo coding kits might be a good place to start, the kits transform a tablet into a fun, interactive and educational experience. Or build a robot together, then use a smartphone or tablet to program it. Your kids will love the quality time and attention from you.
Plus, there’s a sneaky bonus side effect, as Anthony explains. By spending time with your kids and their devices, “You can be aware of what they’re actually doing online – and that’s a bigger issue, it’s not only screen time but it’s about cyber safety as well.”
Tip 6: Use Parental Settings to Limit Screen Time
So you’ve set solid screen time rules and discussed them with your family. The next step to managing kids’ screen time is establishing a back-up line of defence. Embrace app limits and use the timer settings and parental controls that many Android and iOS devices offer and get them to do the dirty work for you.
“Most phones give the option of limiting screen time and you can sometimes do it on a per app basis, Google devices do that,” says Anthony. “There’s also an Apple feature that gives you updates on the amount of screen time you’ve had, so that’s something that parents can monitor.”
Tip 7: Manage the Unplugging Transition Process
Word to the wise: expect a struggle when it’s time to switch off and unplug from watching TV, playing games or browsing social media. You might meet with tears and tantrums but there are techniques to help smooth the way. “Give them a fair warning,” suggests Anthony. “Approach your child before abruptly finishing off the session and give them some time to finish up what they’re doing.”
Clinical psychologist Isabelle Filliozat also has some A+ advice; she recommends parents spend time “building a bridge” with their child by sitting down beside them and asking questions about what they’re doing. In this way you can slowly pull them back into the real world. Game over.
