As technology becomes more integrated into our daily lives, many parents are concerned about the amount of time their children spend in front of screens. According to Ofcom’s 2023 report, children aged 3-17 are engaging with digital media more than ever before. While some screen time can be educational, excessive use can negatively impact children’s physical and social wellbeing. Read on to find our key tips for reducing children’s screen time.
Physiological Effects
Excessive screen time has been linked to disrupted sleep patterns due to blue light exposure and an increased risk of obesity associated with sedentary behaviour. A study published in BMC Public Health found that higher screen time is prospectively associated with a range of mental health symptoms, especially depressive symptoms.
Social Implications
Overuse of screens can impede the development of essential communication skills, as time spent on devices often replaces face-to-face interactions and outdoor play. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health notes that there is moderately strong evidence for an association between screen time and depressive symptoms.
However, not all screen time is detrimental. Educational applications, online learning platforms, and moderated video calls with family and friends can offer cognitive and social benefits when used appropriately. A study highlighted in PubMed discusses both the positive and negative effects of screen time on children’s development, emphasising the importance of content quality and duration.
If you’re looking for practical strategies, here are our 10 top tips for reducing children’s screen time:
Set clear boundaries
Establish specific times and areas in your home where screen use is prohibited, such as during meals or in bedrooms. Consistency is key to enforcing these rules so make sure you stick to your guns!
Be a role model
Demonstrate healthy screen habits yourself. Children are more likely to emulate your behaviour than follow verbal instructions alone. Show them the behaviours you’d like to see in them, i.e. put your screens away regularly.
Encourage alternative activities
Introduce your child to hobbies like drawing, reading, or playing a musical instrument to divert attention from screens. The more you do this, the higher the chance they will develop a new, healthier hobby.
Develop a “Family Media Plan“
Collaborate with your child to create a balanced schedule that allocates time for screen use and other activities. Make sure you tell your child why this matters, at a level suitable to them.
Promote physical activity
Engage in family outings like biking, hiking, or playing sports to encourage movement and reduce sedentary screen time. Make memories that involve real, physical, family fun!
Monitor content quality
Ensure that the media your child consumes is age-appropriate and educational. Limit exposure to passive entertainment – this is where your child has nothing physical to do apart from absorb the content.
Utilise parental controls
Use available tools to restrict access to inappropriate content and manage the amount of time spent on devices. Google’s Family Link parental control service is an excellent example of this.
Foster social interactions
Encourage your child to participate in group activities or playdates to build interpersonal skills. Whether school friends, club friends or neighbourhood friends, any face-to-face interaction away from screens will develop and promote their social skills (just ensure that they don’t end up watching videos or playing video games together!).
Reward screen-free time
Acknowledge and praise your child when they choose activities that don’t involve screens, reinforcing positive behaviour. Make this a part of your own routine when putting down screens, making reference to other things you can do instead and how worthwhile they are. Model, model, model!
Implement tech-free days
Designate certain days or times when the entire family abstains from using electronic devices to engage in other forms of entertainment. Write it down, refer to it regularly to plan what you will do, and stick to it. You may be surprised how imaginative children can be when given the chance.
By implementing these strategies and maintaining a balanced approach to educational screen use, parents can help their children develop healthier habits while still embracing the benefits of technology.
For more insight into the importance of reducing children’s screen time, this BBC article discusses the effects of excessive screen use on young people.
