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We take it away then they scream. We give in then the time-consuming cycle of screen time continues. Parental guilt sets in because we know that it is something children should not be doing all of the time. Teacher guilt sets in because we know children can benefit more from a hands-on learning experience.
"Early data from a landmark National Institutes of Health (NIH) study that began in 2018 indicates that children who spent more than two hours a day on screen-time activities scored lower on language and thinking tests, and some children with more than seven hours a day of screen time experienced thinning of the brain’s cortex, the area of the brain related to critical thinking and reasoning."
So, what do we do as parents or educators to reduce the amount of time young children are on electronics?
Set Limits and Stick to them
Explain to children that they will only have technology time for a set limit each day. Depending on the age of the child they might not have a full understanding of time, therefore you could give verbal reminders when the time is almost running over or use a fun timer so children can visually make the connection.
Power Tip: When the time is almost over, inform children of what will happen next. For example, "John, you have only 5 minutes left on the tablet, afterward, we are going to play outside."
Initially, it might be difficult for children to transition but stay consistent and do not give in. If they continue to ask for more screen time, let them know that they will be able to play again tomorrow or at a set time later in the day. Visual schedules can help with this. It is important to remember that if you start giving in to their request for additional screen time every time, the tantrums or outbursts could potentially get worse because they know that you will eventually give in to their request.
Recommended Screen Time:
Under 2 years old - 0 minutes except for video chatting
Older than 2 years old - No more than 1hr
2. Alternatives: Play-based / Hands-on Activities
Now that your child or student has depleted their screen time. Now what? What can you do with them? The answer is simple—play!
Research shows that children learn best through play.
Easy (Low Prep) Play/ Activity Ideas
Go to the playground
Go on a nature hunt (Collect items you find)
Paint
Make instruments using recycled containers
Eat a snack outside while reading captivating books such as The Little Bird Who Wanted to Fly
6. Sink or Float: Test different objects in a bucket of water to see if they will sink or float
7. Take a field trip (fire station, library, museum, airport, post office, zoo, farm, etc.)
8. Go on an alphabet, number, or shape scavenger hunt; Encourage children to point out what they see on banners, signs, or stores in the community
9. Puzzles
10. Build or sculpt using play-doh or clay
11. Explore writing, drawing, or building with sand
12. Make smoothies together
13. Make an art collage using old magazine or newspaper clippings
14.Make music using pots, pans, and spoons
15. Make a family or class book using photos, coloring utensils, and paper
3. Address the Elephant in the Room-YOU
Often as parents or educators, we turn to screen time because we are feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and just want a break.
What can we do? The best thing that you can do is take care of yourself by doing the following things:
Rest: It's hard to have energy for them if we are too tired to keep up with them
Daily Quiet Time: Before the day gets started take a moment to read, reflect, pray, journal, exercise, etc.
Make a to-do list: Check your calendar and prioritize what is most important and be okay with not getting everything done in one day
Set boundaries over your time: We tend to give children screen time so we can get something else done; When it's time to work stay focused, so you can be "present" when it is time to play
Hobbies: Take time to do something you enjoy because the more you are refreshed the more likely you are willing to engage in hands-on activities with your child or students
Remember, children depend on us to help them understand the world around them. While electronics can be valuable, we must ask ourselves what is most valuable, important, and meaningful at this age. How do we envision our children or students learning? If we want the best for them let's break the habit of too much screen time by setting limits and sticking to them, encouraging play-based/hands-on experiences, and taking care of ourselves, so we can take care of them.
Which practical step you plan to start today.
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References
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