6 Tips for Setting Screen-Time Boundaries

Last updated on April 25th, 2020 at 03:19 am

Setting up boundaries for screen time seems like it would be a simple process. Screens in my childhood consisted of the one TV in our family room with only a couple of channels on it. My parents didn’t seem to have any trouble setting boundaries for me. What makes it so complicated nowadays?

I submit that it has something to do with the fact that the average American home has seven screens to choose from. SEVEN. That’s the average, so some homes have quite a few more. And they’re not all the same type of screen. You’ve got the TVs, but you’ve also got multiple smartphones, tablets, and computers. Don’t forget about the game consoles! So many options. So many screens to monitor. So many little eyes distracted by the temptation of screens everywhere.

Most of us know that limiting screen time is very important. Psychology Today talks about the permanent damage introducing screen time too early can do. Development can be stunted. Future, real-world relationships could be a struggle. Our children could become addicted to instant gratification.

While these are very scary consequences, screens aren’t ALL bad. As our kids get older, limited screen time can have some really great benefits! A movie or game can bring the family together. Educational shows and apps can be very helpful for your child. Ebooks or audiobooks are beneficial, too. But no matter how beneficial screen time can be, too much of it is simply not a good thing. Ever.

I don’t recommend throwing out the screens altogether–not only because of the benefits of smartly used devices, but also because your family may stage a coup if you do! So here are some tips for you to limit the screen time while still keeping your sanity.

1. Encourage other activities

Sometimes the best way to do this is to get out of the house! Go for a walk or play at a park. But even while at home, make sure there are other things for your kids to do. Kids are more likely to play with well organized toys. They’re also more likely to grab a book that is facing out on the easily accessed bookshelf. Don’t be afraid of letting them be bored! It’s good for them.

2. Set time limits

If anything, this makes your job as the parent so much easier. When you’re children know exactly when they’re allowed to grab their screens, you won’t always be fielding the requests and trying to decide in the moment how to answer them. Set certain times during the day or a certain amount of time each day–whatever works for your family.

3. Keep an eye on the screens

Things are always changing. New apps are coming out constantly. It’s incredibly important that we know exactly what our kids are doing while on their devices. It’s our job as parents to protect them and guide them wisely. Sitting with them while they use their device has the added bonus of time spent together. There are also many helpful online guides. Here’s a good place to start when it comes to which apps are safe for your child.

4. Change up what screen is used

Be careful that your child isn’t obsessing over one particular screen. If he can’t seem to walk away from his Playstation, encourage him to spend his screen time watching a movie instead.

5. Keep screens out of specific locations

I’m a firm believer that children do not need screens in their rooms. Adults don’t either, for that matter. Even if you’re of a different opinion, there are places in your home that could do without screens. The kitchen table where you eat your family dinners, or the bathroom where there might be a little too much privacy for screen time. This allows our kids to put them down and walk away. One of my favorite ideas is to have a screen station where everyone’s phones and tablets are plugged in for the night in one place. Everyone can walk away and experience life without a device attached.

6. Set a good example

This is the tip that I’d love to leave out. I don’t have a parent telling me to put my screen down! But we do have our children watching and mimicking. Let that be our motivation to set our devices down and be fully present. I once heard the quote: “What you (the parent) do in moderation, your kids will do in excess.” Help your kids accept the boundaries and eventually form their own by allowing them to see you do the same.

Which of these ideas are you already using to limit screen time? Which ones might you incorporate into your family routine?

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