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By Abbey Zabielo (UWS Student)

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and hybrid and distance learning models, many children are incorporating more screen time into their school day. That’s why it’s more important than ever to reduce the use of electronics the rest of the day.

While screens are a part of today’s culture, there are health benefits related to reducing screen time, including improved physical health, decreased obesity and more time to play and explore. This is especially true for children spending considerable time learning on computers and tablets. It’s important to use break times to get in some physical activity. When the school day wraps up, have a plan to put away devices somewhere out of sight and engage kids in other ways.

Managing screen time in children is an important part of ensuring their healthy development. Here are some tips to help you manage your child’s screen time:

  1. Set Limits: Decide how much screen time is appropriate for your child based on their age, developmental stage, and individual needs. The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends no more than one hour of screen time per day for children ages 2 to 5 and no more than two hours per day for children ages 6 and up.
  2. Create a Schedule: Develop a schedule that includes time for physical activity, social interaction, and other activities that do not involve screens. Make sure your child knows what to expect and when they can have screen time.
  3. Model Good Behaviour: Children learn by example, so it’s important to model healthy screen habits yourself. Avoid using screens excessively in front of your child and make sure to prioritize face-to-face interactions.
  4. Choose High-Quality Content: Choose age-appropriate and educational content for your child. Use parental controls and block inappropriate content to ensure that your child is not exposed to harmful material.
  5. Encourage Breaks: Encourage your child to take breaks every 30-60 minutes and engage in physical activity or non-screen activities.
  6. Monitor Usage: Keep track of your child’s screen time and monitor what they are doing online. Be aware of the risks associated with excessive screen time, such as exposure to cyberbullying, online predators, and inappropriate content.
  7. Be Consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to managing screen time. Stick to the schedule and limits you have set and be firm but fair in enforcing the rules.

Remember, managing screen time is about finding a balance that works for your family. By following these tips, you can help your child develop healthy screen habits and reduce the risks associated with excessive screen time.

Psychologists can provide effective, evidence-based interventions and supports to help children and families with issues regarding screentime. Our Solutions in Mind team can help. If you would like support in this please give us a call (02) 4722 9097.