Few parents are able to ban all screens in the household, but some feel guilty on how long their children spend on them. Whether that is on a phone, computer, tablet or watching TV, some feel the need to allow extra screen time to allow them to get things done like cook dinner etc.
- Have family guidelines – Most families will have some sort of routine for bedtimes, meal times or even getting ready for school, this will help you when implementing.
- Start early – The sooner you can establish a pattern of behaviour the better, when children start to find out what their friends are allowed to do it could be harder to set boundaries.
- Set boundaries – When, where and amount of time are all key boundaries, for example not having screen time before school, keeping it out of the bedroom when it’s time to sleep. You may want to incentivise them with rewards for keeping to screen time rules.
- Share screen time – Take it in turns to choose a game or a video to watch and talk about it in the same way you would a book if you were reading. You could get on a video call to show other family members something that they have created or tell them news of a sporting achievement for example.
- Involve children in your own screen time – Share activities with them such looking up summer holiday destinations and encourage them to join in, however try to limit your screen time when children are about, if you are always looking at your phone they will copy and do the same.
- Encourage creativity – Use apps to create pictures, drawings and edit videos or photos.
- Extend your child’s play beyond screens – find out what apps they really like to play, and try to find relatable activities.
Source: Vodafone
