Time out: How To Limit Children's Screen Time

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By Staff Reporter , Parent Herald Apr 15, 07:34 am

Being digital natives, kids nowadays seem to know their way around gadgets and computers naturally. Because allowing kids to use tablets or smartphones when they are bored appeared like an easier way to calm them, some parents are guilty of giving their kids too much screen-time. That becomes a problem when it is no longer easy to get children away from the screen.

Each parent has a way of ending screen-time battles with kids. Here are some of the means to limit kids' screen time.

Making "technology-free" zones

Since the house has rooms designated for every activity, some families choose to designate "technology-free" zones. That means no form of gadget or digital device is allowed in specific areas. For example, since the dining area is where family members eat, then it is only appropriate for everyone to be there only to eat and not to bring their digital devices. The bedroom can also be a "technology-free" zone since it is a place for rest. If this happens, you may also be able to avoid kids spending the entire night using their gadgets.

Doing screen-times together

A mother from Minessota shared with The Stir that she thought of using screen-time to bond with her family as well. What she did was set a schedule in their household (5 p.m. to 6 p.m.) as their screen-time. However, to prevent her kids from just retreating to their rooms, she encourages them to do it around a table together. What happens is that they end up sharing entertaining, informational, or even funny things that they find online. The things they find on the internet becomes a springboard for topics of conversation for that evening.

Making screen-times as rewards

It is undeniable for parents to have plenty of tasks to accomplish in a day. That includes cleaning the house, cooking, and helping out kids with their homework. So to inculcate a sense of responsibility to children, and at the same time, get an extra helping hand to these tasks, some parents use screen-time as rewards to a job done. It does not necessarily have to be big tasks. Cleaning up their toys or helping in putting away the dishes after dinner could already be tasks that may be equivalent to a rewarding screen-time.

Educating kids about the harm in having too much screen-time

As much as possible, kids should also be aware of the consequences of their actions. Through some talking, maybe it would be a key to encouraging them to limit their screen-time. Especially if they will know that with the amount of time facing their tablets or devices are the possibilities of being exposed to violent images that can be harmful to kids.

Being a model

Kids have their parents as their models. What they see from their parents is what they refer to as good, correct, and appropriate. If they see their parents spending so much time on gadgets, they would think of this behavior as "normal." They would also believe that it is okay for them to do the same. When you set a good example, it will only bring about better outcomes from kids.