While it can’t be denied that smart phones and other technology have many benefits, too much of it can also be a bad thing. With that said, knowing how much screen time to allow our children is often a difficult decision for parents. In fact, it’s a subject that has become a strong topic of debate amongst educational professionals and other researchers. Without your guidance, your child would probably spend an unlimited amount of time playing on their digital devices; they can really be quite addictive. It’s your job to monitor this use and ensure they keep a healthy balance. Read on for some tips from a co-educational school in London.
There aren’t any specific guidelines on how much screen time is appropriate for children; it’s ultimately your call as a parent. Consider the use of technology within your home and whether or not it is having a detrimental effect on other aspects of your child’s life, such as exercise and socialisation. As long as technology isn’t getting in the way of other activities, it shouldn’t be too much of an issue. If your child seems to have become a bit of a hermit, you might want to set some rules and establish boundaries. For instance, you could ask your child to switch off all technology after 8 pm so that they can relax before bed. Alternatively, you could ban phones at the dinner table so that your family can focus on catching up and bonding. Another option is to limit phone use to 2 to 3 hours per day.
Don’t be afraid to express your concerns regarding technology use to your children and explain to them why you have set these rules so that they understand the dangers of being on their phones too much. Try and come up with alternative ways they can fill their time without using technology, such as reading, art, music or sport activities. Let them know why you are limiting their screen time and make sure they know you are there to support them should they need you. You should also aim to cut down your own technology use, so as to set a good example.
If possible, try not to let the debate around screen time stress you out, and never compare yourself to other parents or families. Every family is different and what works for you might not work for another family. If you do have any real concerns, it might be worth talking to your child’s teachers to get some advice on how to deal with the situation.