How to Get Your Kids to Put Their Phones Down This Summer
How to Get Your Kids to Put Their Phones Down This Summer
Introduction
Parenting in the smartphone age is akin to taking a test with no correct answers. We are aware that excessive screen time can negatively impact a child's mental health, brain development, and behavior.
However, with school out for the summer, parents are often left wondering if allowing their children some extra screen time is really that bad.
Expert Advice on Screen Time
Experts have provided a list of recommendations for managing children's screen time:
1. Toddlers under 18 months:
Avoid screen time except for video calls with family.
2. Children under five:
Limit screen time to no more than one hour per day and ensure content is high-quality.
3. General usage:
Do not allow unsupervised or unlimited screen time. Instead, co-view and interact with them.
4. Social media:
Prevent children and teens from using social media apps before age 13, in line with the U.S. Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
5. Emotional regulation:
Do not use gadgets to calm a cranky child
Realistic Challenges for Parents
Despite these recommendations, many parents struggle to adhere to them, especially during the summer. Careers, household chores, and daily responsibilities continue, making it challenging to limit screen time effectively.
As a result, many parents allow more screen time than recommended and feel guilty about it.
Embracing echnology Positively
Technology is a fundamental part of our culture and is here to stay. It’s crucial for parents to teach their children how to use it responsibly. Dr. Rich emphasizes understanding the power—both positive and negative—of these devices and using them to help raise happier, healthier kids.
encouraging Free Play
Dr. Rich also advocates for "free play," which is unstructured by adults and free from rules and competition.
It is essential for children's development, allowing them to explore and understand the world around them.
Viewing a primarily screen-free summer as an opportunity rather than a burden can be beneficial
Setting Boundaries
Establishing no-phone zones, such as during dinner or in bedrooms, is essential. These boundaries should be non-negotiable, similar to other safety rules.
Quality Over Quantity
Not all screen time or devices are equal. Watching educational content like PBS Kids differs from aimlessly watching YouTube videos.
Similarly, using educational apps like TeachTap can be more beneficial than spending time on social media platforms like TikTok.
Conclusion
Balancing screen time with other activities and responsibilities is challenging but essential.
By setting realistic boundaries and encouraging constructive use of technology, parents can help their children develop healthier habits and enjoy a more balanced summer.