Electronic Devices Oh My!

Many parents ask what to do about screen time, electronics, and social isolation of their children.  That is what encouraged this post.  There are lots of reasons why it is important to establish electronics rules for everyone in your household.  This blog will discuss some of those and answer questions about how to set limits with TV, cell phones, video games, computers and other devices.

Limits are a great tool parents can teach children.  Limits set at home begin to teach problem solving, self and time management, self discipline, and self awareness.  Once you pick your limits stick to them.  If school is closed do not increase or change your rules.

7 ideas

Idea 1: Model It
Make it a way of life and model healthy electronic use.  Do not forget you (despite your child(ren)’s belief) are their best role model.  Model the behavior you want to see.  If you find yourself spending hours on the computer or texting your friends, do not expect your child to behave any differently. Many of my friends leave their TV’s running all of the time as “background noise.”  Turn it off at the end of your show.

Idea 2: Education 
A key to making this a success in your home is to educate yourself on electronics.  If you cannot use them and your kids can, they will/can slip things past you.  It is important for parents to be up-to-date on the latest.  How do you do this?  Well ask your friends, read articles, and ask your kids.  Why not have them teach you.

Idea 3: “A Technology Zones”
These are places in your house where you don’t allow devices (cell phones, TVs, laptops, reading tablets, or video games).  The patio, bedrooms, and dining room are great technology-free zones.

Idea 4: Charging Stations/Unplugged Time Frames.  

My friend, Robin has found this to be a great change in her household.  She stated that it took her three girls a few days to get past the change, but now it has created for increased communication, compliance, and better sleep.  So, make a central space for charging and set aside times for the entire family to become unplugged.  See the posted picture.

Tell your child how much screen time is too much.  Let them take charge of how much and when they wish to use that time.  If your house rule is 2 hours of TV time make it for all devices.

Idea 5: Teach the Risks

It is important for adults and children to have an understanding about the risks of too much screen time.  Explain to your family how violent video games, movies and images can be harmful, how exposure to people who we do not know can risk privacy, and discuss potential dangers of online predators.  Then discuss as a family how you can work together to reduce potential risks, allow your children a chance to offer ideas.

Idea 7: Obtain  Passwords

Depending on their age and your family values obtain passwords to accounts and establish rules about accounts and online services.  

Great so now what, right?

-Encourage other Activities in the “unplugged” and charge times.

-Create an option jar of other activities the family or the child can engage in.  

-Bring the family together. 

-Encourage participation in sports, clubs, volunteer activities or music to help them focus on something other than electronics.  

-Head to your backyard and teach your children how to use nature to reduce stress.  Remember all the fun stuff you did when you were a child and revive those old traditions (bubbles, lightening bugs, mud pies, etc…).

“Screen time is a privileged not a right.”