How To Reduce Screen Time For Kids – Plus Why You Should
As the first generation of kids that had unrestricted access to screens grows up, we’re starting to see that there are very serious issues that could arise from it. And as such, many parents have started researching how to reduce screen time; to try and protect their children’s development in those early years.
So, since I brought up my daughter’s with regulated screen time, I thought I’d write this guide about how I did it. As well as share some research about the effects of excessive screen time on kids, just in case someone reading this isn’t aware of the science behind it.
The Science Behind Why You Should Reduce Screen Time For Kids
Through various studies, observance of children who grow up around screens, and even firsthand experiences that have been recounted from the younger generations… researchers have concluded that excessive screen time can have a variety of negative effects on children. Such as…
- Disrupted Sleep Patterns – Which is caused by many aspects of screen time, including the fact that blue light can mess with your sleep hormones. And has been linked to issues with learning.
- A Lack of Social Skills and Empathy – An issue that is largely believed to be caused by the lack of genuine “connection” that you can feel with someone through a screen, versus the human interaction that the children are missing because they’re spending their time on electronic devices instead.
- Lessened Attention Spans – This is a major issue that’s been reported by many. And it makes sense, because children’s brains are so very vulnerable! So when you think about how quickly information comes and goes on various electronic devices and platforms, you can see how it would impact the way their brains process stimuli. And thus… leave them with severe attention-deficit issues.
- Increased Behavioral Issues – And the last problem that I’ll mention here, is that increased screen time can also lead to a lot of behavioral issues. Particularly in relation to impulse management. Because children who spend a lot of time on screens are ultimately learning instant gratification, as well as losing valuable experience with creating entertainment for themselves. Thus, when they’re without their screens… tantrums are commonplace.
Tips For How To Reduce Screen Time
By now, I’m sure you’re more than ready to learn how to reduce screen time for kids. So let’s jump into my tips!
#1 – Set Strict Limits
First and foremost, you need to know what your children’s limits are! And thankfully, the American Academy of Pediatrics has made this easy for you; by releasing their recommendations for how much screen time children should have.
- Absolutely no screen time for children ages two and under
- One hour of screen time for children ages two to twelve
- And two hours per day for teens
Obviously, these are recommendations and the older your children get… the less damaging screen time tends to be. Personally, I allowed my kids about two hours of screen time every night; but all screens had to be off an hour before bed.
#2 – Create Alternative Experiences
Now, another pivotal aspect of reducing screen time is creating experiences that your children prefer over it! After all, one of the benefits of less time on screens is the ability to explore other things right?
So you’ll want to encourage your children to have some playtime every day, do crafts regularly, learn skills they’ll need throughout the rest of their lives, read books, spend time outdoors, have quality moments with family and friends, etc… Overall, try to fill your children’s day with as many enriching activities as possible; and they’ll barely notice the lack of screens.
And although you should undoubtedly be involved during these times, you don’t have to plan something really “special” every day. Remember that you’re aiming for consistency and stability here! So take some time to create environments that motivate your kids to play, invest in some age-appropriate toys and books that they really like, and just continue to find what works for your individual child.
#3 – Have Screen-Free Zones
But now, back to setting boundaries… You may also find it helpful to create some screen free spaces within your home; where screens are never allowed, period! Bedrooms are a great example of this, since you want these rooms to be associated with rest anyway. But you could also dub certain communal living spaces as screen free zones as well.
And you can even set screen free times, in addition to zones within the home. For instance, many families find it helpful to set the boundary that there are no screens allowed at meal times.
But for both of these strategies, it’s usually good to have a drop off point where everyone leaves their screens! Such as a basket where the entire family drops their phones off when enjoying quality time together.
#4 – Set A Good Example
And that leads perfectly into my next point… You should not only be thinking about how to reduce screen time for your kids, but for yourself as well. Because the best way to lead is through example. And your kids are watching you more than you realize.
So if you find yourself scrolling through your phone during times when your kids are supposed to be screen-free… Consider putting it down and replacing your own screens with a more enriching activity. As this will show your children that screens don’t have to be a priority.
#5 – Stick To It
Lastly, it’s so important that you stay consistent with this lifestyle. Because not only can too many screens be detrimental to your child’s development in a very small amount of time… But it will also make it harder for you to control their screen time later on, as the more they get used to it, the more they’ll want it!
So once you find your groove and set your limits, make sure to stick to it. And it will get easier with time!
Final Thoughts
Parenting can be such a “learn as you go” type of experience. And it’s normal to make mistakes. So even in the case of screen time, try not to let yourself dwell on slip-ups if you’ve made them. And instead, look to the future and plan how you can avoid those mistakes in the future.
There were plenty of times my children enjoyed more than their allotted screen time, and they turned out fine. Just don’t let it become a habit.
And as always, please consider checking out my other articles on parenting and running a house. Such as this one on confidence building activities for kids!
