Nowadays, phones, tablets, and computers are everywhere. No doubt these devices keep us connected and informed. But on the other hand, they can also use up a lot of time in kids’ daily routines. Due to this reason, many parents are concerned about how much time their kids spend on screens.
Parents also want to find a way to balance screen time so that their children develop healthy habits. Don’t worry if you’re also concerned about this because we have included 5 best tips that parents can follow to help manage their kid’s screen time.
1. Set Device-Free Times and Zones
If you as a parent set device-free times and places in your home, it encourages your kids to interact without screens. For this purpose, you can set specific periods like family meals or bedtime. This way, everyone can easily focus on each other rather than their phones.
2. Establish Screen-Time Goals for Yourself
Kids pay more attention to watching what we do than to what we say. If you consistently check your phone, your children will feel it’s okay to do the same. So that’s why you as a parent also set your screen-time goals to show to your kids that limiting screen time is something even adults also do.
To cope with this issue, you can set goals for yourself like not checking your phone during family time or when you’re outside. This habit not only makes family time more valuable but also shows kids that everyone benefits from balancing screen use with other activities.
3. Introduce “Best First Phone for Kids” Guidelines
If your child is ready for their first kids phone, you have to make sure to set clear usage rules. For this purpose, you can choose a kids phone that is specifically designed with kids in mind, often called the “best first phone for kids.”
These phones often have options that make it easier for you to give one to your child. For example, they offer parental controls, limited features, and safer app choices.
When you are giving a kids phone to your kid, you can make a list of do’s and don’ts regarding the phone usage. In this list, you can add some rules such as:
- Setting limits on social media
- Restrict access to certain websites
- Establishing daily screen time limits
- Allowing phone use only in common areas, not in bedrooms
- Teaching them to ask before downloading new apps
4. Keep Distractions to a Minimum
Distractions from notifications can keep your kids glued to their screens longer than intended. Most smartphones and tablets allow users to customize notifications which can help you in reducing screen time.
For example,
You can turn off notifications for games or social media during study or family time. When there are fewer distractions, kids are less likely to want to check their screens all the time. Also, encourage your kids to focus on one task at a time especially when they need to complete schoolwork. This helps them learn to manage screen time more effectively and pay full attention to whatever they’re doing.
5. Watch and Play Movies, Shows, and Games Together
When you watch movies, shows, or play games with your kids, it helps you know what they’re watching and playing. It can also lead to fun conversations about what you see and do together.
You can see what really interests your kids and talk about what’s happening on the screen. This is especially helpful for younger kids, who might not fully understand what they are watching. You can also choose a safe phone for kids or download age-appropriate apps that also can make the screen experience positive.
