As a part of the technological age, there is no question that technology will be a component of your child’s education and everyday life. Technology can be an amazing tool for education as it provides instant access to information and can enhance students’ learning experiences. However, there are dangers when screen time becomes excessive such as behavioral issues, irregular sleep patterns, and academic setbacks. Now more than ever, it’s important to monitor and supervise your child’s screen time due to our current circumstances.
Here are some ways in which you can limit screen time as a household:
Reduce the amount of screens that your child can access
If you limit the amount of screens you have in your household, it is more likely that your child’s screen time will go down. This will encourage them to partake in other activities such as reading books, cooking, art, and free play.
Establish daily/weekly limits to screens
Enforce rules like “No screens 1 hour before bedtime”. Prioritize these rules when planning out the day for your family.
Set an example by limiting screen time yourself as a parent
Be a role model and apply the same screen time rules to yourself. Your child will see that you are following through with the rules and will more likely cooperate with the limits.
Create zones in your house that are technology-free
Mayo Clinic recommends that you keep screens out of your child’s bedroom. Setting boundaries for certain technology locations can help limit the time your child uses technology.
Utilize a timer to monitor your child’s technology use
Hold your child accountable. If you allow 30 minutes of screen time as a reward, make sure that it lasts 30 minutes. No more, no less.
For more ideas and resources, check out our other blog posts here. For more information about how our team can support you with home learning, visit our website.