Arababa
5 UNIQUE WAYS TO REDUCE OR LIMIT YOUR
CHILDREN'S SCREEN TIME
H
ow lucky are we, to be living
in such an evolving and
technologically
advanced
world? My wife always
jokes, that they used to have to
consult outdated encyclopedias and
dictionaries if she needed to know
something. Now, with a simple swipe
of your phone you can find anything
that you need.
Our children, from a very young age
are now exposed to many gizmos and
gadgets. They are learning more and
more much earlier in this generation.
They use laptops and tablets during
school and at home.
However, when is ‘Tech-Time’ too
much? I’m just as guilty as any mum
or dad out there when you are trying
to get a little bit of peace and quiet,
plopping your child in front of a tablet
or the TV. In fact, an article published
in The Telegraph US cited a study by
the American Academy of Pediatrics
( h t t p : // w w w . t e l e g r a p h . c o . u k /
education) “The American Academy
of Pediatrics, stated that children
under 2 should be discouraged from
using technology and that preschool
children should not be watching
television or using digital devices for
more than two hours a day”. So, I have
put together a few ways to help reduce
‘Tech-Time’ without causing a mutiny
in your house.
2. DECIDE WHAT YOU
CONSIDER ‘TECH-TIME’
Do you only consider it tablets, phones,
laptops? Or, do you include the TV
into that equation? Sit down with the
entire family and make sure everyone
understands and you can get some
agreement (don’t mind the frowning
faces).
Have the conversation with
your child’s teacher to determine
the percentage of time students use
devices at school. This will also help to
have an even balance.
3. SET GROUND RULES
Make sure there is a clear agreement
on how much time will be allowed.
This could be that devices are only
used for homework during the school
week and then the weekend, they can
enjoy. Ensure that your children get
through their homework immediately
upon arriving home, while their minds
are still active before any screen time
occurs.
4. HAVE ALTERNATIVES
AVAILABLE
Winter time in this region is considered
the best time of the year for outdoor
activities. Get them outside either in
your yard or the nearest grassy area.
Run around, take the bikes to the
park, focus on some fitness. Conduct
a mini science project. Make some
slime. Play with clay. Paint. When kids
have no choice, they find their own
entertainment – this keeps their minds
active.
5. WHEN THEY DO WATCH,
KEEP AN EYE ON WHAT THEY
ARE WATCHING
In this day and age of just swiping the
screen to the next video, we have to be
very aware of age appropriate viewing.
It is very easy for a child to accidentally
get onto a site or see a new video that
we do not want our kids to see. Make
sure to listen to the sound. Put the
‘Strictest’ settings on each device and
monitor it regularly to make sure it
doesn’t ‘accidentally’ switch.
Have the discussions with your
children about why it is important,
what type of viewing is appropriate for
their age, the value of not only being
lucky enough to have a device but the
responsibilities that come with it.
Yes, we are living in a very
technologically
advanced
world.
As parents, our role is to not only
protect them but to allow them to be
inquisitive, generate creative ideas,
expand their view of the entire world –
all in one swi