Screens are everywhere daily, from checking out groceries to reading books on tablets. It's not just about TVs or smartphones anymore.
Even though screens are a normal part of life, reducing screen time can help children stay healthier. It can keep them in shape, lower the risk of being overweight, and give them more time to play and discover new things.
With screens almost everywhere, tracking how much time children spend on them can be challenging. However, some screen time can be educational and support their social development.
So, how do you manage your child's screen time? Here are some tips to help you guide your child's use of screens and media.
The Importance of Non-Screen Time
Today, kids spend only about four to seven minutes outside each day but are in front of screens like TVs, tablets, and phones and play video games for about seven hours. Too much screen time is becoming the norm, especially with more kids learning from home or using tech in their classrooms.
This means they're spending more time on screens than ever before. Kids need to learn how to use technology as they grow up in a world full of it.
Screens have also helped keep up with school when kids couldn't attend in person. However, ensuring kids have time away from screens and play outside is just as essential.
Even though most parents know their kids need to be more active, not everyone understands why it's necessary or how to make it happen, especially with online learning being so common.
All parents want their children to grow up healthy, caring, independent, and well-rounded. Encouraging them to spend more time outdoors instead of playing video games is a great way to help develop these qualities and promote good behavior.
8 Tips to Reduce Children's Screen Time
1. Have a Conversation and Create a Plan
The first step to reducing screen time is to set reasonable limits and discuss it with your kids. Explain why spending less time on screens and more time outside is beneficial.
If your kids are used to a lot of screen time, it might be challenging for them to start putting the screens away. Start with small, achievable goals, like cutting screen time by an hour, then gradually increase it.
2. Engage With Your Kids
Spending time with your kids can be tough with busy schedules, especially when watching TV is more accessible. But it's important to make time for them after school and work and focus on them when you do.
When you set aside your phone and take them outside, you can have better quality time together. Enjoying fun outdoor games instead of playing them on different screens in separate rooms can help you connect.
3. Come up With Outdoor Activities That Suit Their Interests
If your kids usually spend their free time indoors on screens, try to get them outside to show them how enjoyable outdoor activities can be. You could walk in the park, play catch in a field, or let them run and climb on the playground.
These activities not only reduce the amount of time spent on screens but also help your kids discover the joys of being outdoors. Aim to spend at least two hours outside every day, and plan exciting activities that they'll really enjoy.
A trip to the community playground can be great fun as they can swing, slide, climb, and play in many different ways.
4. Don't Keep Screens in Your Child's Room
If your kids have TVs, tablets, or computers in their rooms, they might spend too much time alone with their devices. This can keep them from hanging out in shared spaces at home, making monitoring how much screen time they get more complex. They might also miss out on valuable time with family or friends outdoors.
Having screens in their bedrooms can also disrupt their sleep. If possible, try to keep electronic devices out of their rooms. This helps them avoid overusing these devices during their free time and encourages healthier habits.
5. Go Outside
Many kids and adults spend most of their day on screens, even at school or work. Changing this habit might seem tough, but going outside daily can help start a new routine. For instance, if you and your kids usually spend about 30 minutes outside, try to make it an hour.
Taking your kids to the playground keeps them busy and away from screens, making it easier to cut down on screen time. Plus, playing outside helps them make friends, get more active, and enjoy nature.
6. Monitor Your Own Screen Time
Many parents set a good example. This is true for screen time, too. If your kids see you constantly on your phone or watching shows on your laptop, they might not want to stop using their screens.
If you reduce your screen time and go to the park with your kids, everyone can enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, and activity. Plus, you'll spend more quality time with your kids and be present in the moment with them.
7. Take Advantage of Parental Controls
To cut down screen time, some parents warn their kids by telling them they have 10 minutes left before turning off the devices. If that doesn't work for your family, you can use programs, apps, or settings that automatically turn off the devices after a set time.
These parental controls make managing it easier when kids don't want to stop using screens. They also encourage them to spend their time doing other fun things, like reading a book or playing a board game with the family.
8. Make Adjustments as They Get Older
Change screen time limits as your kids grow. According to experts, young children under 12 should only use screens for one hour a day, while older teens can use them for up to two hours. Every family is different, so adjust the rules to fit your home.
As kids reach middle school and high school, they often want more freedom and might need more screen time for schoolwork. However, if you keep a plan that limits screen time and encourages outdoor activities, you can make it work for everyone.
Promote a Healthier, Screen-Free Lifestyle with Park N Play's Innovative Playgrounds
Managing screen time is a dynamic challenge requiring parents' flexibility and creativity. Implementing these tips can help your child lead a more active, engaged life beyond the screen.
Remember, every small step counts in nurturing your child's healthier, more balanced lifestyle. At Park N Play, it's our mission to provide communities, schools, and families with playground equipment that motivates kids to value outdoor play.
We design durable, interactive play equipment suitable for all ages and abilities. Contact us today to learn more about building a new playground in your community to encourage outdoor play.
FAQs
How do we lessen kids' screen time?
To lessen children's screen time, set clear expectations and create goals to reduce screen usage intentionally. Engage with your children in activities that don't involve screens, and establish phone-free zones at home. It's also beneficial to spend time outdoors, which naturally decreases screen use.
Is 7 hours of screen time bad for kids?
Seven hours of screen time is generally excessive for children. Health experts recommend setting much lower screen time limits to promote physical health and prevent negative impacts on sleep and obesity. For children under 12, an hour a day is advisable, while older children might handle slightly more, but it's usually best to limit screen time to much less than seven hours.
How can I help my child with screen time?
Helping your child with screen time involves setting and enforcing guidelines that limit how long and when they can use screens. This includes no screens in the hour before bedtime and encouraging activities that require interaction or physical activity. Monitoring and discussing the content they access is also crucial to ensure it's appropriate and safe.
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