Guidelines for Screen Time
Guildelines for Screen Time
Excessive television watching, videogame playing, internet use, and time spent playing gaming applications on portable electronic devices has been shown to have a negative impact on children’s sleep, behavior, eating habits, academic performance, and social skills. Access to all of these forms of electronic media is collectively referred to as “screen time”. Follow these simple steps to get a handle on screen time exposure in your home.
Eliminate background TV
If the TV is turned on, even if it’s just in the background, it’s likely to draw your child’s attention. If you’re not actively watching a show, turn off the TV.
Keep TVs and computers out of the bedroom
Children who have TVs in their bedrooms watch more TV than children who don’t have TVs in their bedrooms. Monitor your child’s screen time and the websites he or she is visiting by keeping TVs and computers in a common area in your house.
Don’t eat in front of the TV
Allowing your child to eat or snack in front of the TV increases his or her screen time. The habit also encourages mindless munching, which can lead to weight gain.
Set school day rules
Most children have limited free time during the school week. Don’t let your child spend all of it in front of a screen. Also, avoid using screen time as a reward or punishment. This can make screen time seem even more important to children.
Suggest other activities
Rather than relying on screen time for entertainment, help your child find other things to do, such as reading, playing a sport, helping with cooking or trying a board game.
Set a good example
Be a good role model by limiting your own screen time. Unplug it. If screen time is becoming a source of tension in your family, unplug the TV, turn off the computer or put away the smart phones or video games for a while. You might designate one day a week or month as a screen-free day for the whole family. To prevent unauthorized TV viewing, put a lock on your TV’s electrical plug.
Become an active participant
When your child has screen time, make it as engaging as possible. Plan what your child views. Instead of flipping through channels, seek quality videos or programming. Consider using parental control settings on your TV and computers. Preview video games and smartphone applications before allowing your child to play with them.
Watch with your child
Whenever possible, watch programs together and talk about what you see, such as family values, violence or drug abuse. If you see a junk food ad, explain that just because it’s on TV doesn’t mean it’s good for you.
Record programs and watch them later
This will allow you to fast-forward through commercials selling toys, junk food and other products. When watching live programs, use the mute button during commercials.
Encourage active screen time
Have your child stretch or do yoga while watching a show. Challenge your family to see who can do the most jumping jacks during a commercial break. Choose videogames that require active participation.