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.
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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