Balancing Screen Time Tips for Parents in a Digital Age
Children can’t balance their screen time because they get
lost in the charm of online content. It is where they need help. Also, only
parents can help children balance their screen time. Students indeed need
laptops, mobiles, and tabs to access online study material, but parents should
make sure that children don’t waste their time on digital media. Top CBSEschools in Ghaziabad give the following tips to parents.
1. Set Clear Limits and Boundaries
You should restrict the screen time of your child according
to their usage. For example, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends one
hour/day of screen time for children aged 2-5. For older children, the screen
time could be 2 hours or more depending on their dependence on the online study
material or content. To help the child, you can set a family screen time policy
and make sure that all family members respect the policy.
2. Create Tech-Free Zones
If allowed, children will remain glued to their mobiles,
tabs, or computers all day. For this reason, it is necessary for parents to
create tech-free zones where nobody is allowed to use mobiles except for
emergency conditions. For example, the dining hall could be a tech-free zone so
everyone enjoys the meal without any distractions. Similarly, the bedroom could
be a tech-free zone to get a sound sleep and improve sleep quality.
3. Encourage Alternative Activities
What would the children do when they are stripped of their
mobiles? If you don’t have an alternative to mobiles, the child could feel
bored and depressed. Reading, watering plants, walking the dog, de-cluttering
the room, and social work are some of the activities that can keep the child
energized and occupied. Best schools in Ghaziabad encourage the child to pursue
hobbies such as painting, singing, dancing, cooking, and dress designing in
their free time.
4. Model Healthy Screen Habits
As a responsible parent, you should follow a disciplined
approach in the usage of mobile. For example, you should prefer personal
interaction with family members instead of calling or messaging. Similarly, you
should spend more time in non-screen activities like reading newspapers instead
of online news. In this way, you can teach the child healthy screen habits.
5. Monitor Content and Engage in Co-Viewing
Screen time means quality time spent viewing educational
content. You should monitor the online content your child views and encourage
co-viewing. For example, you can share interesting content with your child to
start co-viewing. It will help keep a tab on online activities over the child.
Or it would be better to say that it will keep the child safe from online
frauds and traps.
6. Use Parental Control
The latest mobiles come with advanced parental control. You should learn about these features to keep a tab on the on-screen activities of the child. Top CBSE schools in Ghaziabad recommend open conversation about screen time. Increased personal interaction, interesting alternative activities, and effective parental control on mobiles will be helpful in balancing the screen time of your child.
