Screen time is a treat for people of all ages. However, becoming too dependent on technology can reduce adult productivity and cause social and psychological issues for children. We have a collection of tips for setting screen time limitations for children and adults for a more cohesive family dynamic where everyone can socially and emotionally connect more.
Limiting Screen Time For Kids
It can be difficult to set screen time limitations for children, especially if they have regular access. Discuss with your child(ren) these new screen time limits so they know what to expect before administering them.
Set Clear and Consistent Limits
You can set the screen time limits for your little ones at your discretion. For example, on school nights, you can allow your kids screen time after homework is completed for only 1-2 hours depending on what else is on the agenda for the night.
Create Screen-Free Zones
Screen-free zones at home will encourage your children to engage in other activities outside of screen time. For example, if their room is a screen-free zone, they can enjoy doing crafts, reading books, and playing with toys and then come to the living room for screen time when it’s time for it.
Encourage Outdoor Activities
If weather permits, outdoor activities are always a great way for kids to get exercise and stay away from the screens. Take the kids to the playground after school or bike around the neighborhood. Grab the outside toys from the garage and let them have at it!
Utilize Screen Time As a Reward
Screen time can act as an incentive for children to reach certain goals during the day within reason. For example, if your child cleans their room, they can get 30 extra minutes of screen time before dinner.
Use Screen Time Together
Whether it’s family movie night or playing Nintendo Switch for one hour after dinner, using screen time as a family can count as quality time. You can also ensure that content consumption is age-appropriate since you will be joining.
Limiting Screen Time For Adults
Even as adults, we can sometimes get caught up in being behind the screen too much and that’s ok. Recognizing the weaknesses that keep us on the screen is the best way to start setting personal screen time limitations.
Set Personal Screen Time Goals
Try your best to stay disciplined by setting personal screen time goals. For example, give yourself 10 minutes to scroll social media when you wake up or before bed so you aren’t overconsuming. If you’re a gamer, try playing a game for only 1-2 hours instead of splurging on it for 3-4 hours. Such goals will help your life remain balanced so you can handle other responsibilities and tasks throughout the day.
Take Regular Breaks
It’s best to take regular breaks from tech time as needed. Watch one television show and then get a chore done around the house. Play a game for a half hour and then do one of your favorite tech-free activities like reading a book or baking something.
Set Tech-Free Times
It’s natural to want to stay connected to your phone throughout the day. However, setting tech-free times can be beneficial during dinner time to connect with family and to relax and unwind before bedtime. Designating these tech-free times will improve your social connection with your family members and your emotional and physiological well-being.
Engage In Offline Hobbies
It’s tempting to want to keep scrolling social media, playing your favorite online casino games, or binge watching a favorite show. However, engaging in offline hobbies can be like a breath of fresh air as you take a break from screen time. Read a book you have been meaning to check out. Set up a garden in your backyard. Try challenging puzzles like crosswords, word searches, or Sudoku to test and expand your mind. Even journaling about your day can put everything in perspective for you, especially if you are having trouble quieting your mind before bed.
Closely Monitor Your Screen Time
Take notice of how much you are behind the screen. How many hours were you playing that video game last night? How much time did you spend scrolling social media during your work break? Too much screen time can hinder productivity in getting other things done during the day, so make notes of where you can improve in limiting your screen time so you can get all your goals done.
The Benefits Of Limited Screen Time
Here are the many benefits of limited screen time once you get on a viable technology consumption schedule.
Cognitive Improvements
Reduced screen time can improve your memory and brain functions because you will be engaging in other activities that exercise your brain more efficiently than sitting behind a screen. Activities such as trivia games, reading a book, and reading articles from the local newspaper can enhance your mental capacity and encourage a more positive state of mind.
Enhances Physical Health
Sedentary activities like consuming screen time downgrade your physical health. Putting down the screen and engaging in physical activities such as walking, riding a bike, or working out at the gym can energize you substantially.
