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Parenting Column: Switch off, tune out and enjoy summer without screens

14/6/2018

 
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​Parenting column by Sasha Hart, family care manager at Community Family Care, Staunton

Switch off, tune out and enjoy summer without screens

With the summer holiday approaching many parents may be thinking about reducing their children’s screen time.

UK health advice suggests children should have screen free days and two-hour limits on time in front of screens.

It sounds great but the reality of implementing this can be a battle many parents struggle with.

Here’s how to set some boundaries and swap screen time for face time.

Set a good example

Children learn from their parents so if it’s normal to see you on your phone or tablet, they will want to do the same.

Turn off your tech for the same time you expect your children to.

Establish rules

Have family rules regarding screen use and implement times when you have family time and everyone turns off their tech.

Create a family agreement regarding the use of screens/ tech and get everyone involved in coming up with the rules for breaks so everyone is on board as a family.

Use apps to help programme breaks on devices and use consequences such as turning off the internet or power to help enforce breaks.

You may also have a tech box where devices get put during a screen free day. You may also have school rules and weekend rules regarding screens.

Equal devices

The average family has nearly two dozen screens under one roof so they must be treated the same.

Don’t just swap a tablet for TV time. Try to eliminate background TV so children get used to screen free time.

Removal of a device could be a consequence for not following the family agreement.

Be active

Plan what your child views, watch programmes or play games with them and comment on what you’re watching (more interactive).

Screen time can be isolating so have a balance of interaction during time on tech. It can be used as a teaching tool.

Tablets and phones can limit the amount of eye contact shared between children and parents so remember to put down your tech when responding to your child.

Provide alternatives

Creating a weekly schedule based on the idea of one hour of technology use equalling one hour on other activities.

There are lots of alternatives to screen time – relive your childhood fun.

Click here to download PDF of this article.


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People’s Postcode Trust is a grant-giving charity funded entirely by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Our charity received a £4,000 grant from the Trust to go towards IT equipment and to cover training and recruitment costs for five new sessional Family Support Workers.

www.postcodetrust.org.uk
www.postcodelottery.co.uk
Community Family Care
Unit A Kingsholm Mews
76 Kingsholm Road
Gloucester
GL1 3BD
​

01452 840999
info@communityfamilycare.co.uk
  • Community Family Care is part of Community Foster Care
  • Community Family Care is Investors in People accredited
  • Charity Registration Number: 1084124
  • Company Number: 03719101
Website by lizhawkins.co.uk
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Vision, Mission & Values
    • The Team
    • Our Trustees
    • Testimonials
    • Work For Us
  • Our Services
    • Family Group Conferences >
      • FGC Information for Kids
      • FGC Information for Family & Friends
      • FGC Information for Professionals
    • Working For Families
    • BoA Youth
    • Art Journal Project
    • LifeCoach
    • Story Explorers
    • Family and Child Support for Schools
    • Chill and Chat
  • News And Views
  • Useful Links
  • Contact Us