Kids, time for screen break
IN many homes, getting children and teenagers to turn off their cellphones, shut down the video games, or quit YouTube can incite a revolt. And if your little darlings say they need to be online for schoolwork, you may not know when the research stops and idle activity begins.
When it comes to screen time, every family will have different amounts of time they think is ‘‘enough’’. What’s important is giving it some thought, creating ageappropriate limits (with builtin flexibility for special circumstances), making media choices you’re comfortable with, and modelling responsible screen limits for your children. Try these agebased guidelines to create screen rules that stick.
Preschoolers
There are lots of great TV shows, apps, games, and websites geared for this age. But too much time spent in front of a screen can interfere with activities essential for growing brains and bodies.
Go for quality and ageappropriateness. Not everything for preschoolers needs to be a ‘‘brainbuilder’’, but there’s a difference between mindless and mindful entertainment. Reviews can steer you towards titles that help preschoolers work on developmental skills such as sharing, cooperation and emotional intelligence.
Sit with them, and enjoy the discovery process. There will always be moments when you need to rely on the TV or an app to distract your preschooler while you get something done. But as much as you can, enjoy media together. Little hands and developing brains really benefit from your company (and guidance!).
Begin setting limits when children are little. Habits get ingrained early, so try to establish clear screentime rules when your children are young. For games, apps, and websites, you may need to set a timer. For TV, just say ‘‘one show’’.
Years 08
At this age, children love TV shows, games, movies, and online videos. They begin to explore more and hear about new shows and games from friends. Because they can access these things by themselves, it’s crucial to continue to supervise their activities and help them stick to your rules.
Start with an endpoint. Use whatever tools you have — your DVR, Netflix, On Demand — to prerecord shows, cue them up, or plan ahead to watch at a specific time. That way, one show won’t flow into the other, and you can avoid commercials. If your children are into YouTube, search for ageappropriate videos, and add them to a playlist to watch later. Because most games don’t have builtin endings (and are, in fact, designed to make children play as long as possible), set a timer or some other cue that says ‘‘time to stop’’. Help them balance their day. Children this age need guidance from you on a daily plan that includes a little bit of time for everything. And staying involved works: children whose parents make an effort to limit media use spend less time with media than their peers do, according to a study.
Practice what you preach. It’s tempting to keep reaching for your phone to check email, texts, Facebook, or the news. But your children will be the first to call you out for not ‘‘walking the talk’’. Plus, they’ll pick up habits from you. Model the media behaviour that you want your children to emulate.
Years 913
You’ll have more success with teens if you explain the reasons why too much screen time is harmful. For example, social media may contribute to anxiety.
Help them make quality choices. You still have a say in what they see, hear, and play. Put in your two cents’ worth about the importance of quality shows, games and movies.
Crack down on multitasking. High school children who have discovered texting, IM, Facebook, and music tend to do them all at once — especially when they’re supposed to be doing mundane tasks like homework. But a University of Michigan study found humans are terrible multitaskers and the practice actually reduces the ability to concentrate and focus.
Find ways to say ‘‘yes’’. Look for movies they can watch. Find games you’re OK with. If your teens ask to see something you don’t approve of, help them find alternatives. — TCA