Digital Smarts - Tips for Balancing Screen Time During Virtual Learning (and Beyond)

You probably have thought about this before, and even more so since the pandemic, but what are some things you can do to get a conversation about screen time with your kids started, and more importantly, keep it going? Many of us are familiar with the negative effects of excessive screen time, from sleep problems to behavioral issues. But it’s not all bad; some experts say that with moderation, active screen time use comes with benefits such as increasing children’s creativity and imagination and improving motor, coordination, and communication skills. So how do you find that balance?

First, kids and parents need to remember that not all screen time content is created equally. You need to ask yourself, why are they in front of the screen? Is it for education or entertainment? Does it encourage your child or student to create or consume? Will it require them to socialize with others? There is no one type of content that is good for your children. Sometimes pure entertainment is a good thing, but that is not the only kind of content you want you kids to consume. You also need to know what you kids are playing, what apps they are using, and what kind of content creators they are manipulating. Use the tools and apps they are using, and start the conversation by talking about them.

Of course, you probably will need a plan for screen time limits and there are plenty of tools out there to do just that. But remember to monitor your plan depending on how they react to the guidelines. For example, how might they react when you ask them to turn off their device or unplug after 30 minutes of screen time? What about after two hours of screen time? Do the answers change depending on what type of content they are engaging with? Consider the answers to these questions as you assess your family plan.

Finally, model the behavior you want to see from your kids when it comes to technology. Think about the bad tech habits you have fallen into. Are you glued to your computer, tablet or phone screen more than nine hours a day? Do you act like it is ok for you to talk on the phone when at meals or in the car? Whatever it is, remember that your child will copy your behavior. Be mindful of your habits and set a good example next time you pick up your device.

Lastly, remember that the conversations with your child about digital device usage is also crucial to striking a balance. Prioritize time before and after your child is on their device to discuss what they plan on doing on it and what they just finished doing. Other points to talk about include how screen time might differ from at-home or personal screen time, as well as how excessive use can impact how they or their friends behave or interact with each other.