While unlimited time with electronics may keep your child busy for the day, you don't want them to be exposed too much on mobile screens. Setting limits on TV and games for kids isn't always easy in today's always-on and screen-filled world. We have listed some tips that parents can use to successfully limit their child’s gadget use.
Why Too Much Screen Time is a No-No
Too Much Radiation
As experts say, cell phones and mobile devices can emit radiation. Radiation exposure has been linked to cancer, and while there are no hard studies, the American Cancer Society does recommend limiting cell phone use, especially in young children.
Toddler’s Development at Risk
The research found that toddlers aged two through three who played excessively with tech gadgets had negative effects on their cognitive development. At this age, children need to learn how to develop motor skills and visual and spatial skills, which are learned through gadget-free playtime.
Eye Strain Is More Common
More and more children are experiencing eye strain from staring at a screen for too long, which can lead to blurry vision, eye fatigue, focus issues, and even double vision.
Remember, your child is still developing, even in their eyesight. That’s why it is best to limit screen time to ensure their eyes stay healthy.
Poor Posture
Handheld tablets also promote poor posture in children since they are spending too much time hunched over and looking down at a screen.
Exercise is Needed for Better Brains
Too much time with technology causes children to not get enough exercise. Lack of exercise is not only bad for their bodies but also their brains.
What You Need to Do to Limit Screen Time
Model Healthy Electronic Use
Kids look up to their parents. So it is the responsibility of parents to be role models for their kids. One way to do so is to set an example on the use of the screen. Before you even binge-watch your favorite Netflix series, remember that you are setting an example for your kids with your own time spent in front of a screen.
Keeping the TV on for background noise all the time or scrolling through your phone any time you have a spare minute may not be a good example for your kids.
Educate Yourself on Electronics
Today, we are dealing with digital natives - kids who are tech-savvy and know more about electronics than adults do. As parents, you should keep yourself updated on the latest apps, games, social media platforms, and digital trends so you can relate to what your kids are exposed to.
You can't teach your child about the risks of social media unless you understand them yourself. Likewise, you wouldn't be able to prevent them from consuming certain types of media if you don't understand how these forms of media are rated.
Create “Technology-Free Areas”
Identify areas in your house where electronics are not allowed whether it's cell phones, tablets, or laptops. Take for example your home's dining room, which you could keep reserved for having meals and family conversations.
Set Aside Times to Unplug
Set aside times for the whole family to unplug from their technological devices. You can consider dinnertime or an hour before bedtime to unplug. When you all agree to set aside your devices, it allows your family to spend more quality time together.
Make Use of Parental Controls
There are tools that you can use to protect your kids from accessing explicit and sensitive content on the Internet and TV. Check the parental controls that you can set up to filter or block unwanted content.
If your kids have smartphones, you may want to check the built-in settings of the phone or look for apps that you can download to create content filters.
Explain Why You're Limiting Screen Time
If your kids understand that you're limiting your family's screen time because of the disadvantages of too much exposure on screens, they're much more likely to follow the rules you set.
Communicate with them regarding internet safety, explain why violent video games, TV shows, and movies can be harmful to them as well as the dangers of the cyber world.
Make sure that every member of your family is included in the discussion about screen time and is part of this rule that everyone can follow.
Ask for Your Child’s Passwords
You might want to consider asking your kids for the passwords to their online and social media accounts.
Try to figure out the best way to help protect your child against the dangers of the cyber world while still allowing them to have some privacy and autonomy.
Encourage Other Activities
With various apps, games, devices, and content, it's easy for kids to become dependent on electronics for entertainment. But there are a lot of other activities that you can consider doing with them.
Encourage your child to seek out and get involved in activities that don't need a screen such as playing outside, reading a book, or trying out a board game, among others.
You can also try setting a schedule for screen access. You just have to make it clear to your kids when they are allowed on screens and when they are not, to clarify your expectations and prevent arguments.
Make Screen Time a Privilege
You might decide to make screen time a privilege rather than a right. You can set a time limit on the use of screens and make its use a privilege or reward to reinforce positive behavior among your kids.
Keep Your Child’s Bedroom Screen-Free
You might also consider making it a rule not to allow TVs, video game systems, and computers in your child's bedroom, which includes handheld devices that your kids might be tempted to use late at night, which could interfere with their sleep.
There are a lot of reasons to limit your child’s exposure to excessive use of mobile devices. It may be nice to keep your kids entertained, but you have to control their exposure since too much screen time can damage their health and social skills beyond repair.
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