Getting the kids off-screen time
I won’t lie; this is hard; getting kids off their iPads or Nintendo games is becoming so complicated. I feel like I have different feelings towards it. Half of me thinks it’s ok to learn but in a safe way, but I also feel very scared of all the online games and viewing options online that could lead to so much danger.
If your children are anything like mine they might have slipped back into the habit of reaching for screens over the school holidays. My kid now has an Ipad, which seems permanently attached to his hands and I really have felt the need to look at ways to encourage him away from his reliance on his screen devices. I find that this is only really an issue over the holidays, as, during the winter months, his first reaction is to play outside with his cousins or friends.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and hybrid distance learning models, many children are incorporating more online learning into their school day. Some say that's why it's so important than ever to reduce the use of electronics for the rest of the day.
While screen time has integrated into our day, there are benefits related to reducing screen time, including improved physical and mental health, decreased obesity and more time to play and explore. This is especially true for children spending considerable time learning on computers and tablets. I’m guessing just it is at home kids get to use break times to get in some physical activity at school. When the school day wraps up, have a plan to put away devices somewhere out of sight and engage kids in other ways.
I, in particular, do this; my kid is only allowed any screen advice on the weekend.
According to research, the average time spent on screens is seven to 10 hours.
No screen time for children under 2
One hour per day for children 2 to 12
Two hours per day for teens and adults
Limiting screen time also helps parents keep a closer eye on what their children are experiencing on social media and the internet. Although it’s complicated to sway away from online danger this helps reduce it.
While more research is needed to fully understand the effects screen time levels have on kids, Too much screen time puts everyone at risk of obesity, and it's linked with sleep disturbances and can affect relationships too. For kids, especially teens, there are studies concerning the negative effects of screen time; the issues related to it are anxiety, depression and short attention span.
May I add that us adults can have the same negative effects.
Over the holidays, I try to do other activities with the kids, such as on Christmas, there’s the Kew garden lights walk, Santas grotto in various locations, Christmas market, ice rinks, Christmas wonderland, the lights of which are everywhere. There are some Christmas festive events as well. Every holiday had its festive activities and the summer holidays are full of summer outdoor activities also.
I find the more kids stay at home, the more they are prone to get complacent with screen devices.
These 6 tips can help you trim your children's screen time when not in school:
Set realistic goals
Set expectations with your kids, and set goals to be intentional about reducing screen time.
Cut screen time slowly.
If your kids are spending a lot of leisure time on screens, including watching TV, start by setting smaller, more attainable goals. Instead of jumping right to the recommended one to two hours or less per day, start by cutting their current screen time in half.
Bond with the kids
After school or work, spend time each day talking face-to-face with kids and give them your full attention.
Put all screen devices away.
During screen-free hours, put devices away, or at a charging station in a common area so they're not attracting your kids' attention.
Create Tech-free zones in the home.
Making family meal areas like the dining room a Technology-free zone is an easy way to start. (this is a bit hard, but let’s try)
Go outside.
If you enjoy spending time outdoors, Putting down the phone and taking a walk or playing outdoors increases your endorphins and provides that feeling of happiness in your brain, boosting your mood and improving your physical health.