Raising a child in the digital age is a challenge that many parents aren’t sure how to tackle. A recent survey found that technology overuse ranked as the number one fear of parents of teens.
Many parents feel helpless when it comes time to set screen time limits and aren’t sure where to start. Here’s a friendly reminder that taking any action is better than doing nothing at all. Even small improvements can benefit your child in the long run.
Side Effects of Too Much Screen Time
Before we answer the question of how to set screen time limits, let’s first go over why it matters.
While there’s nothing inherently wrong with screens and devices, they can start to cause issues if your child is overusing them. Research has shown that excessive screen time is linked to:
- Inadequate sleep
- Poor grades
- Higher risk of obesity
- Lower self-control
- Less emotional stability
- Higher rates of anxiety and depression
Devices can start to become a problem for your child when they use them as a form of emotional regulation. If they reach for their device in order to feel less bored or less sad, this can create a cycle of dependence that’s hard to escape.
Children whose lives are disrupted by their devices or preoccupied with where their device is and whether it’s charged can indicate an unhealthy relationship with their device. It may be time to intervene in order to get them back on the right track.
Why Should Parents Limit Screen Time
The relationship that your children have with screens as a child will inform how they manage screen time as an adult. Starting good habits early is the best form of prevention.
This is not to say that tweens and older teens cannot change their habits. It is easier to implement good habits from the beginning than to try to correct behavior later on.
Children who don’t engage excessively with screens are more likely to develop positive skills, such as:
- Building creativity and curiosity
- Bettering their communication skills
- Engaging in physical activity
- Getting adequate sleep every night
Screen Time Recommendations By Age
There is no easy answer to this question, since it depends on the day, the situation, and the child. Perhaps you allow your children to play with your iPad during their sister’s piano recital because otherwise, they would throw a tantrum and disrupt the recital. Different circumstances call for different time limits.
Many experts encourage parents not to focus on time limits. Instead, they encourage parents to focus on improving their children’s awareness of their device usage.
Increasing awareness teaches kids how to self-regulate their screen usage and allows them to make more conscious choices around their devices.
If you’re still wondering how much screen time to allow, consider the guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics:
- Kids under 2: No screen time
- Kids 2-5: 1 hour
- Kids over 6: Encourage healthy habits and limit screen time activities
Help! How To Limit Screen Time
Stuck googling how to set screen time limits? We have some helpful tips for you.
1. Model Healthy Device Usage
It is difficult to encourage your kids to be mindful of their electronic usage when you’re constantly scrolling through your phone. Remember that kids pick up on the behaviors of those around them.
Be conscious of how you use your devices and what that’s signaling to your kids. Don’t keep the TV on as background noise and don’t mindlessly scroll through your phone at every opportunity.
Being present (and not on your phone) during car rides, while waiting at the doctor’s office, or waiting in line can set a good example for your kids.
2. Create Technology Free Zones
Consider creating technology-free zones in your homes – such as the dinner table or the car. Instead of using your phone, you can make conversation, sing to your child’s favorite tunes, or play games such as “I Spy”.
For younger kids, you may also want to ban phones from the bedroom so your kids aren’t tempted to use them at night. Phones emit blue light that can keep your child alert and disrupt their sleep cycle.
3. Set Schedules
Younger kids tend to work best with consistent schedules. You can apply this mindset to their screen time. Perhaps every day after school, they’re allowed to watch 1 episode of their favorite tv show on Netflix. Or perhaps they’re allowed to play 30 minutes of a computer game after they finish their homework.
Having a routine – and sticking to this routine – can help children understand their limits and help them build autonomy when it comes to their device usage.
4. Encourage Other Activities
Discouraging devices means encouraging other activities, such as going on a hike, doing arts and crafts, or scheduling a play date. Make it as easy as possible for your kids to reach for something other than their phone or the TV.
If your child enjoys playing fantasy games on the computer, consider introducing them to fantasy books. If your child enjoys watching YouTube videos on fashion and styling, why not buy them a sewing machine?
Get creative when it comes to alternative activities – you never know what might “click” for your child!
5. Give Your Children Choices
Children are not always going to have you there to manage their screen time. That’s why it’s important to give them choices. Put the decision in their hands because one day, it will be up to them to decide.
6. No Reward Systems
Parents may think that setting up a reward system for device usage can help instill good habits.
However, experts warn about using device time as a reward. It may end up causing the “forbidden fruit” effect in which children start to see screen time as more valuable than it really is. Instead, consider taking away devices as a consequence.
7. Encourage Mood Tracking
Another way to help your child increase their own awareness about their device usage is to encourage them to track their mood after using their device. This works best with older children who manage their own screen time.
Many children might not be aware of how their devices impact their mood. Maybe playing a video game for 2 hours puts them in a better mood, but once they go over 3 hours, they start to feel fatigued or grumpy. Tracking their moods directly after using their device can help them find a better balance – one that works for them.
Screen Time Apps: Set Screen Time Limits
Are you concerned about the content your child is consuming online or are you interested in monitoring their screen usage? Consider the following apps that help you manage your child’s screen time.
You can block apps, set alerts for keywords, and set a time limit on apps/websites:
Need Help Managing Your Children’s Screen Time?
Navigating the digital landscape as a parent can be tricky. If you need help with how to limit your child’s screen time, our licensed and experienced professionals are here to help.
We can give you the tools you need to help your kids have healthy relationships with their devices. With convenient locations in the Georgetown and Liberty Hill area, we can’t wait to help. Give us a call today.
On your side,
Jenna
Jenna Fleming, LPC, NCC, is a Georgetown, TX therapist. She is also the owner at Georgetown and Liberty Hill Child & Family Counseling, where it is their mission to help people thrive through Christ-centered counseling.
