Tips for parents to limit tech
Dealing with young children’s demand for screen time can be harrowing for parents. Kids have a knack for persistence, especially when clamouring for devices which have apps and games that are designed specifically to be addictive to young brains.
No child should have unlimited use of a phone, computer or tablet, or access to whatever app or website they want. Here are some techniques to help deflect the demands of young kids.
Reading first
This tip came from friends who make their children read for 30 minutes before getting the same amount of time on their devices.
Doing this means time on a device is a reward rather than a right and it demonstrates that books and reading are just as important as technology.
Set a timer
It’s easy for hours to slip by with kids on their devices. To prevent this, agree on a time limit and then get them to set a timer so they know when to get off.
Start with about 30 minutes to an hour at a time.
Education only
There are lots of great learning apps available. So if you don’t want your kids just aimlessly watching YouTube then only allow education apps on their device.
Set a schedule
If you like planning, then try to have set times during the week for kids to be connected.
Afternoons are best, and I’d avoid letting kids have screen time in the mornings as it can encourage them to get up early and it’s often hard to get them off and motivated to get ready for the day. Don’t be afraid to have the occasional device-free days.
No time at all
You could always use Steve Jobs’ approach – he didn’t let his children use iPads, a device he invented.
This would be a tough policy to enact but Jobs and other tech executives know how addictive devices can be, which is why many don’t let their kids near them.