5 Tips on how to Decrease your Child’s Screen Time
You have noticed your child’s mood and behavior has changed. They are very irritable and are disrespectful towards you. Their priority is playing video games, watching television, or being on their phone or tablet. You’re upset at yourself allowing it to get this far. You want to get them off electronics but don’t know where to start.
Below find 5 tips on how to decrease your child’s screen time.
1. No Electronic Devices during Mealtimes
Make it a rule that no one is allowed to use electronic devices during meals. In fact, make it a rule that the whole family sits at the table for at least one meal a day. Children are more distracted and are not interacting socially because of electronics. Family meals are extremely important. Due to everyone’s busy schedule it is difficult for some families to get together at the same place and time; family meals ensure that this happens. It encourages communication and provides parents with the opportunity to learn how their child is doing academically and also learn about their social life. Increased communication strengthens family bond and your child is more likely to come to you if they are experiencing a problem. Young children learn social skills (active listening, taking turns, etc.) during meals through engagement with family members when electronics are not allowed at the table.
2. Set Limits
It is important to set limits when it comes to electronic. You may choose to limit where they are allowed to utilize electronic devices. For example, you may make it a rule that electronic devices are not allowed to be used at the dinner table, in the bedroom, and during car rides. Aside from setting limits in regards to where your child is allowed to use electronic devices, you may want to limit the amount of time they are allowed to use them on a daily basis. For example, children 2-5 years of age should only be allowed to use screen time for one hour a day. For children older than 5 you may limit screen time to 2 hours a day. Whatever limits you set make sure you enforce them.
3. Schedule Unstructured Play Time
Unstructured play time is very important for a child’s development. Children no longer play like they used to because most of their time is now spent on electronic devices. Play provides children the opportunity to learn about themselves and their world. Through unstructured play, children develop self-determination and leadership. They learn social skills, decision making skills, problem solving skills and conflict resolution. Children learn how to regulate themselves through the therapeutic powers of play. Their self-esteem increases as they gain mastery. Unstructured play time can take place indoors or outdoors and does not require any special toys. Children can use their imagination and experiment.
4. Be a Good Role Model
You can’t limit your child’s screen time when you are your phone all day or binge watching a show on Netflix. Children learn these habits from observing us. You need to a good role model or your child will not abide by the limits you have set on screen time. The same rules you established for your children you should follow yourself. Set an example when your child is around.
5. Extra-curricular Activities
Often times children say that they are bored and that that is the reason as to why they are playing video games or on a cell phone. Extra-curricular activities are a great way to keep your child busy. Aside from your child being occupied, they will be more active and will be socializing with their peers. Involvement in extra-curricular activities teaches children time management skills, teamwork, responsibility, and increases self-esteem.
Janine Kelly, MSW, LCSW, RPT, CATP, ADHD-CCSP, CCATP-CA is a Registered Play Therapist, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Perinatal Mental Health Therapist in Middlesex, NJ. Janine specializes in childhood anxiety, childhood OCD, childhood trauma, and supporting children who experience neurodivergence such as ADHD and Autism. She also specializes in pregnancy and postpartum mood disorders such as anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, depression, and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
*This blog is not a substitute for therapy. To schedule an appointment, please click below.
