Tips to Control Screen Time for Children - The Paras World School

Kids glued to their smartphones, tablets, iPads, e-readers, gaming consoles is a familiar sight in most households. There is no denying that technology has its fair share of benefits. It is interactive, fuels creativity and is a great learning and communicating tool. However, being hooked to digital devices can have devastating consequences. There are serious concerns that excessive screen time can trigger physical and psychological disorders in kids, affect their attention levels and expose them to violence, cyber-bullying and more.

Moderation is the key. There is a long list of schools in Gurgaon that believe children should spend no more than a few hours plugged in. Easier said than done. The onus lies on the parents, teachers, and caretakers to take charge and establish certain rules and procedures. Read on for few tips that can help curb children’s screen time.

Encourage other activities:

Though technology is an integral part of a child’s life, other activities are equally important.  The good schools in Gurgaon realize this and have incorporated facilities like labs, libraries, art studios and various sports in their academic infrastructure. The authorities encourage students to pursue a diverse set of hobbies that spark creativity, promote physical activities and social interactions. These initiatives also limit access to screen time.

Keep devices out of kids’ bedrooms:

For starters, remove the devices from kids’ bedroom and keep them in shared spaces.  Apart from making it easier to monitor their digital activity, this move helps keep a watchful eye on the content being viewed, games being played and websites being surfed.

Lay down rules:

Lay down clear and rigid screen time rules. Ensure that there is no snacking in front of TV’s and dinner is a family affair sans any devices. Also, a regular schedule for finishing homework assignments, practicing instruments and other hobbies can slash heavy media use. In addition, access to smartphones and gaming consoles after bedtime should be a big no-no.

Have a screen free day:

Designate one day in the week for no digital activity. This concept, however, will only work if you can whip up creative ideas, fun activities and different forms of entertainment. Have a dance party, experiment with baking or plan a family getaway packed with outdoor games. Board games, engrossing books, toys, art and craft, storytelling sessions, helping build new interests can also wean kids away from screen time.

Set an example:

Are we too focused on our devices?  Do we, as role models know when and when not to use technology? Remember, guardians can only help children by setting a good example. It is important that we mull over our own digital habits and adopt an appropriate behavior for the kids to follow suit.

Let’s face it, technology is part of life, an amazing tool that can help children accomplish great things. Unfortunately, it has a hooking effect, hence the need to limit overuse. Restricting screen time is a challenging job that will face stiff opposition from the child brigade but a relentless approach is worth the effort. The mantra is to consistently maintain a balance between children’s media use and other activities. If you can accomplish that, the kids will be just fine.