Screen time is becoming a problem for kids and parents alike. The average screen time of a teenager around 8 hours and 39 minutes. Though there are 24 hours in a day, spending almost 9 hours on the phone takes from time you could spend being more productive or resting.
Limiting your child’s screen time is becoming more and more of a debate among parents. Should parents limit their child’s screen time? Should they let them be? In this article, we’ll talk about what a healthy amount of screen time is, whether you should limit someone’s screen time, and how you can properly limit screen time.
What’s a healthy amount of screen time?
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that the recommended screen time depends on one’s age. For those under 18 months, it isn’t recommended that you allow them any screen time. For those between a year and a half and 2 years, it’s recommended that if you really need to, you give them a very small amount of screen time and only allow them to use their screens for educational purposes. For those between 2 and 5 years old, they can use more screen time but, the amount of non-educational screen time should be limited. The recommended time is an hour per weekday and between 2 to 3 hours on the weekends. Finally, for those 6 years and older, there isn’t a set amount of time but, it should definitely be less than 9 hours and healthy habits such as taking a walk outside daily should be encouraged.
Should I limit my child’s screen time?
If you witness that your child is on their screen more than usual, you should consider limiting their screen time. Most of the time, you should start building these habits young but, if it’s too late, encouraging that they use less of their screen time and giving them other options with their time is a great way to begin limiting their screen time.
3 Best Ways to Limit Your Child’s Screen Time
Set time limits especially before bedtime.
Setting time limits for screen time is the most clearcut way of doing this. Your child might be resistant at first. It’s best to approach this with patience and understand where they’re coming from too. Instead of simply cutting them off from gadgets, ease them into it and give them other activities. Enroll them in swim classes. Schedule playdates with friends. This way you’re not just taking the fun away. You’re replacing it with more proactive things.
Manage your own screen time.
Leading by example is important. Don’t be on your phone too much either. Perhaps you could do some of the activities you’re giving your child with them. Baking, cooking, or playing some board games together is a great way to manage your screen time as well as theirs. It’s also a great bonding experience.
Use parental controls.
There are tons of apps that allow parental controls. The app might restrict access after x number of hours have passed. It’s best to take a look at what apps your child uses the most and see if you can set parental controls. The gadget itself might allow you to do so through the settings.
The Takeaway
When you’re always on the phone, you’re missing out on tons of experiences. Stop looking down and start looking at what’s around you. Help your child build healthy habits by limiting their screen time too.
Author: Moira Du
