Screen Time On and Off

Many health organizations connected to universities, hospitals, pediatricians, health research, even the World Health Organization (WHO) are speaking out and being pro-active in challenging parents to help their children limit screen time.  There are so many clinics for anxieties, behavioral challenges, low self-esteem because of pressures put upon kids to watch screens, to look perfect when posting on social media, etc.  There will be more and more inventions and work-related activities on screens in the near future.

In response to this challenge, how about:

• no cell phones during meals at home or in restaurants;
• only one hour of entertaining screen time after homework;
• no cell phones on a table when doing homework; young children and parents sit together if on a computer;
• earn the time to play a video game (no more than an hour tops);
• go outside and play; cook together;
• TALK together as a family asking what actually happened during each person’s day;
• cell phones off on car rides;
• join a sports team or take music lessons;
• go for a walk together; go to bed earlier;
• read a book together;
• look at each other’s faces as you’re talking

If parents model these behaviors, then social and family relationships will improve. Talk about what changes your family can make.

Check out the book The Big Disconnect by Catherine Steiner-Adair. It will help you rethink screen habits and usage.