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Technology has advanced tremendously in the last 20 years. Our phones got smarter; we have tablets that are small, practical, and easy to use, the same as our computers. Influencers and content creators create new videos daily. Video games are realistic, and kids just can’t stop playing them. How is it even possible to reduce screen time nowadays?
Even though screens are part of today’s culture, there are many health benefits related to reducing screen time. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO), limiting screen time leads to better sleep patterns, greater physical activity, enhanced creativity and learning, improved communication skills, and increased mental well-being. Unlimited screen time can also lead to obesity (because kids and teens don’t have enough outdoor or physical activity), lower scores in school (they study less and have poor concentration in class), spending less time with family and friends, mood problems, poor self-image and body image issues (this is especially important for young girls and women who compare themselves with photoshopped and unrealistic images of other girls), reading fewer books, and so on.
Let’s see what AAP says about acceptable amounts of screen time limits. Children under 2 should not have any screen time. Children from 2 to 12 should have 1 hour of screen time. Teens and adults should have only 2 hours of screen time per day. Limiting screen time is also very important because that way you can keep a closer eye on what your children are doing online. There are so many misinformation on the Internet today. You should encourage your children to think critically about what they see on their screens. Teach them how to tell if a website is trustworthy. Teach them about media and information literacy. It’s crucial to learn where to find needed information to evaluate and use it effectively.
Sadly, children may be exposed to some disturbing content on the Internet, which can lead to violence and risk-taking behaviors. Monitor what your children are viewing online to prevent replaying videos of stunts and challenges that may inspire unsafe behavior, videos of sexual content, cyberbullying, predators, and advertising aimed at your children.
There are some tips and tricks that can help your child reduce screen time. The most important thing is to be accountable. Create goals and set expectations with your kids. Be realistic—don’t be too drastic in cutting screen time; just focus on smaller, more attainable goals. Be engaged and spend more time with your kids. Ask them about their day; spend some quality time talking face-to-face and giving them your full attention. Create screen-free hours and put all devices away from your kids. You can also create phone-free zones in your home. Spend quality time outside. Take long walks, play with your kids in a park, go hiking, have a picnic on a beach—the possibilities are unlimited.
Sometimes it’s very hard to limit screen time, and it can lead to fights and disagreements. If your child is not happy with your decisions, try to encourage them to make their own choices about screen time. This will give your child a chance to practice managing screen time on their own; it will help them develop long-lasting healthy screen use habits, and it will make them more likely to stick to your family’s screen time rules. Routines can help in building technology use in a healthy way. For example, allow your child limited screen time, but after they finish their homework, chores, or practicing piano. When limiting screen time, give your child a warning. For example, “you have 5 more minutes to save your game” or “10 more minutes on Instagram.” Agree on the length of the screen time session before the session starts to avoid arguments and disagreements.
It’s very important to lead by example. Children often model their behavior after their parents, and that’s why it is very important to be a positive role model by demonstrating healthy screen habits yourself. Be an example by reading books, exercising, and spending quality time with family. That way you’re setting a good example and spending more time with your family members
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