4 Ways to Find Screen Time Balance

Dianne, mother of 13-year-old Jake and nine-year-old Emma, finishes preparing dinner and finds both kids glued to their tablets, oblivious to the set table. She asks if they've completed their homework. Jake replies, "Not yet. I'll do it after dinner." Emma mumbles, "I forgot."

Sound familiar and seeking balance? Learn four tips for how to set limits and find a balance between electronic devices and offline activities.

Why worry about screen time?

According to a Common Sense Media report, children eight to 12 in the United States spend an average of five and a half hours on screens, while teens 13 to 18 average over eight hours daily.

Kids and teens spend a lot of time on screens for entertainment, socializing and even education. It's easy to lose track of time when engaging with a constant stream of content and the instant gratification of video games.

Studies show that excessive screen time and use of social media by young people can negatively impact their mental and emotional health, self-esteem, body image, social life and relationships, academic performance and time management.

What parents can do?

Move beyond limiting screen time

Parental controls are undoubtedly helpful, but instead of focusing solely on reducing screen time for children, a more holistic approach should be adopted. Considers the quality and context of screen use.

For example, let your kids spend time-consuming, meaningful, educational or creative activities on screens and encourage them to choose quality content. More importantly, model healthy screen habits as parents and promote an environment where screens are used purposefully and not excessively.

Engage with screens together

Co-viewing involves engaging with digital media together with your children. This can help enhance the quality of their screen experiences.

During shared screen time, you can provide context and discuss what they're watching. Talk about the shows they watch and games they play and ask questions to promote critical thinking and media literacy. This isn't just a teaching moment; it's bonding, too.

Set healthy screen time boundaries

Children and teens can benefit from technology while maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Here are practical tips to achieve this:

• Designate screen-free zones and times: identify specific areas in your home and certain times as screen-free to encourage other activities and interactions. For instance, make bedrooms screen-free zones before bedtime and the dining table screen-free during meals
• Help children and teens create a schedule: include screen time as part of a daily routine that includes other offline activities
• Choose quality content: select educational apps, games and programs and promote creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving
• Encourage alternative activities: promote sports, outdoor play and other physical activities. Support your child's interests in non-screen activities such as reading, arts and crafts, music and sports.

Ditch the guilt and peer pressure

Don't feel bad about reducing screen time. Constant connectivity seems normal today, and you may feel overly strict or like you're depriving your children. Conversations with more lenient parents can also lead to self-doubt and second-guessing decisions.

Reframe your perspective and focus on the bigger picture of your children's development and wellness. You don't have to completely eliminate screens to find a healthy balance. Encouraging children to engage in a variety of activities can contribute to a well-rounded development.