Most of us lead busy lives – in some ways, busier than ever before. This is especially true if we have kids, and even more so if we work from home.
There are situations in which many parents want to just give up, hand a phone or tablet to their child, and focus on themselves. It’s becoming more and more common, especially since now there is a social component as children that have no screen time may not be able to connect with their peers as easily.
Yet, all studies show that screen time for children is almost unequivocally bad. We know it hurts development, but it’s very hard to completely eliminate screen time entirely.
What Can You Do?
Though there isn’t a “safe” or “better” way to offer screen time to a child, there are some ways that it can be better controlled, so that it doesn’t hurt a child’s development. These include:
- Significant Limitations – Children should no be given unlimited or extended screen time. Ideally, there should be no more than 30 minutes or so a day, and once the time is over, they should not be allowed to be on the screen anymore.
- Not a Reward – We also have to move away from “rewarding” screen time for children that are doing what they’re supposed to. Screen time shouldn’t feel like a “reward” as this will only fuel children to feel good about using it. So, avoid saying things like “if you eat your dinner you can have 30 minutes of screen time.” That may increase the desire to have screen time in the future.
- Be Intentional in What They Watch/Do – Screen time in general should be avoided, but there is a difference in what they watch and do. Watching a 30 minute semi-educational cartoon is likely to be better for them than scrolling a lot of 1 minute YouTube videos with gross noises. Don’t let screen time be “whatever you want.” Try to get them on activities and videos that are better for their mental health.
- Be Intentional in What You Do – If you’re allowing screen time because you need a break mentally, then you should take that break mentally so that you feel better. That means that instead of scrolling on your own phone, you should consider meditating, reading, finishing up some tasks, etc., so that you feel like your time was better spent and you feel better about removing the screen after the time is up.
It’s also important to monitor your child and make sure that they’re getting what they need to develop and grow as individuals. If you’re noticing your child is acting differently after screen time, then it’s time to take it away.
If you OR your child appears to be having trouble managing their mental health, reach out to Long Island Psychology today. We have therapists for both children and adults, and can help you with parenting support as well.
