In today’s screen-filled environment, limiting kids’ access to TV and video games is not always straightforward. Parents don’t want their children to spend too much time watching screens, even though they may keep them occupied with unlimited screen time. Here are guidelines for parents to utilize when determining how much screen time is appropriate for their children and how to reduce child screen time productively.
The most significant difficulty in modern parenting is screen time. Screen time may appear to be an unavoidable component of your parenting plan as the extended summer break approaches, especially if you are simultaneously working while taking care of your children. Most parents have occasionally felt terrible about how much time their children spend on television or using electronic gadgets like computers, iPads, and PlayStations.
What will you see here?
iPhone screen time limits
Apple has improved parental controls by adding the Screen Time function to iPhones. You can locate it in Settings; it is not an app. You must own an iPhone or iPad to use it. Technically, you could set up Screen Time on your child’s mobile and avoid needing a second device, but that will almost certainly lead to issues because you won’t be able to change the time restrictions without physical access to the phone.
Steps to restrict screen time limit in iPhone
To begin setting up Screen Time, parents must first confirm that the youngster is a member of their “Family.” That is iCloud’s Family Sharing feature.
- Go to Settings > Your Name > Family Sharing
- After that, enable it by tapping your child’s name in Settings > Screen Time.
- The iPhone cannot be used overnight during the first set of Downtime hours. You may either make them unique or make them the same every day. The phone will continue functioning if you don’t enable the “Block at Downtime” option.
- After you’re done, you’ll see a blank activity chart and the different Screen Time settings, which you may change whenever you choose.
Then, you can create App Limits. Select All Apps & Categories, scroll to the bottom, and select how many hours your child can have if you wish to set a general daily limit.
Android screen time limits
An option titled “Digital Wellbeing and parental controls” can be found in your Settings app if your child’s device runs Android OS version 8.1 or higher. Parents can use this Android function to limit their child’s screen time. You may still accomplish the same goals with Google’s Parental Controls feature if your child’s device is compatible with any other Android version.
Set daily device restrictions
- Go to Settings > Parental Controls and Digital Wellbeing.
- Click on Daily Limit to see the settings as they are right now. You need to login in from your login or use your Parental Passcode to prove that you are a parent to alter the existing settings.
Create a bedtime
- Go to Settings > Parental Controls and Digital Wellbeing.
- Tap on Bedtime to check the existing settings. You need to check in from your login or use your Parental Passcode to prove that you are a parent to alter the bedtime settings.
Other tips for reducing your child’s screen time
Obesity, sleep issues, depression, anxiety, poor academic performance, and possibly chronic back and neck issues are all associated with too much screen usage. Eye troubles can also result from staring at technological devices for excessive time.
Promote a Variety of Activities
If your children are accustomed to binge-watching TV or spending endless hours on iPads, it is simple to fall into a rut. If they ever actually knew how to amuse themselves, they’ll probably have forgotten how.
Moreover, if you are actively attempting to limit screen time, they will need your assistance managing this. Try playing board games, reading aloud, cooking, dressing, or creating art. Although it requires a little more work, you’ll be making memories of enjoyable moments with your children.
Find a way for children to enjoy life outside. Please encourage them to go out. Perhaps a treat will do the trick to motivate them.
Engage with your Children!
Putting restrictions on your child’s device use may come out as condescending, but older children will be able to grasp the health hazards associated with excessive screen time. This is much better than denying access abruptly or retaliating for inappropriate behavior. This can help to reduce the screen time your child.
Talking to your kids, making jokes, and generally being funny with them is an excellent way to divert their attention and strengthen your bond. Remember that older children are more inclined to confide in you about their issues if you listen to smaller kids babbling on about things they find amusing.
Set an Example
When you’re attempting to catch up on work email while the kids are eating their tea or reading the class WhatsApp group news during bath time, this is much easier said than done. However, screen time’s detrimental effects on children also apply to adults, and your children constantly observe you!
Instead of concentrating just on your children’s behaviors, try to consider the screentime habits of the entire family. This can help to reduce the screen time your child. You’ll all probably benefit if your youngster notices the improvements you’re making and gets the impression that you’re paying attention to them rather than your phone.
In the summer, how much screen time should kids be getting?
The World Health Organization advises parents to set their children’s daily screen time limit to two hours.
Why should parents restrict children’s screen time?
Before the pandemic, children had been using screens considerably more frequently than is healthy for them. The WHO does not set particular limitations for older kids. However, some evidence indicates that teens’ excessive screen usage may be associated with mental health issues like sadness and anxiety.
Limiting screen time: does it work?
Recent research has demonstrated that limiting children’s screen time can improve their academic achievement and physical, social, and behavioral wellbeing.
Conclusion
Screen time alone won’t stop your youngster from developing typically. However, it is crucial to allow children to exercise their imagination, creativity, and critical thinking while browsing. Technology is everywhere around children as they grow up. Thus, it is essential to assist children in understanding the principles of media use.
Moreover, these were some of the ways and tips how parents can help reduce their child’s screen time on summer holidays or even on average days when required.
