In the old days, the only device parents had to worry about was the TV, and making sure kids don’t spend too much time staring at the screen. However, with the explosion of smart devices finding their way into every aspect of our life, and even our children’s life – excessive screen time poses a real threat to their visual health, behavior, and school performance.
A child needs clear boundaries, and screen time rules are necessary, especially since the new school year is just around the corner.
At Vision Development Center of Lancaster, we’re here to help you and your child stay on the right track as you prepare for the next school year. As proponents of children and adults limiting their screen time and taking a break from TVs and smart devices, we also understand that there is not a one-size-fits-all recipe, and believe that the rules need to be situation and age-appropriate.
Figuring out how to limit screen time is crucial, and yet can be quite challenging – check out these 5 tips on limiting screen time this school year:
The best way to limit screen time may be to encourage children to play, and if necessary teach them to want to play and spend as much time outdoors as possible. While, in general, we want our children to grow up understanding and creating balance for themselves, most growing kids will need a lot of guidance to make that happen. So, a plan for studying, playtime, downtime, and well-being time is of utmost importance.
Here are a few strategies to consider:
- Be A Role Model
Kids need a good example, so adults need to be mindful of their own use of electronics, and especially be careful of multitasking and using the smart devices while with their children.
Also, get creative with things to do together what do not involve any electronics, such as playing games outside, baking, going to visit animal farms, doing crafts, etc.
- Set Time and Place
Try setting specific times during the day when screens are off-limits, and, if possible, perhaps even have a day off from any electronics use. Summer vacation and school year are very different, so adjust the rules for each. This could be until homework is done, until after dinner, a weekend day or half-day, etc.
Also, you could have a rule to not use screens in specific places, such as at the dinner table, in their rooms when unattended, etc.
These rules will help children understand that electronics are simply not appropriate at all times or in certain places.
- Know What’s On the Screen
Being aware and understanding what your kids are up to is extremely important, especially as they get older. Get to know the technology, read up on video or computer games before you purchase them, set parental controls, etc.
This means join in with them at times – it will help you better understand the game, etc., allow for a closer look into what they are doing, and also provide some bonding time with your kid.
- Present Variety
The overall goal is to limit the screen time, but it’s also important to make sure that your children are not over-focused on one game, a particular social media platform, or on the couch all day TV-binging.
- Be Transparent, Persistent, and Flexible
Talk to your kids about your concerns about screen time and why you are setting these rules. It’s important for them to understand why you have concerns, how electronics and their overuse can impact their health, behavior, etc., and to become aware of the possible negative aspects of the Internet, such as violence in games and movies, bullying and sexting in social media, etc.
Stick to the rules or guidelines you set. While it’s difficult to always be the enforcer, when you are consistent, not only does it get easier, but also it show your children that this is not a game, or something they don’t need to take seriously.
And, do stay flexible. Kids grow and change, and so does the technology – so be prepared to revisit your rules and come up with new ones – keeping the principal of balance as your guide.
Enforcing the rules of limited screen time in the summer can greatly prepare your child for school in the fall, as he or she will have had time to learn about them, understand them, and apply them. With the start of the school year, your child will likely be used to using the electronics during the set times, and where approved, and will also know that the rules will adjust to accommodate studying and homework.
If your child is suffering from a visual dysfunction or has been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, or a learning disability, expert vision therapists at Vision Development Center of Lancaster are here to help your child with professional evaluation and vision therapy based on their particular needs.
Looking for the right vision therapy, ADHD doctor or ADD doctor in Lancaster PA? Call our office at (717) 656-0534 to make an appointment, or click here to take our free symptoms survey.