The pandemic has completely changed the face of everything, especially education and work. Screens were already an essential part of the lives of children, but with education becoming virtual, it has become impossible to separate the kids from phones and laptops. This has brought forward a new challenge for parents – How to manage the screen time of their kids.
Here we have listed 5 ways that can help you regulate the screen time of your children-
Consider your kid’s maturity level.
Before you go ahead with setting up some limited screen time for your kids, try and understand their maturity level. First, see how your child is using the technology. Then, observe how they are reacting towards the situations. After that, depending upon the outcome, plan limited screentime for your child.
Encourage them to earn screen time.
Today, in this age of technology, you can not keep your children away from screens. As an impact of covid, everything has shifted over the internet. Whether it may be your child’s school or their entertainment, from watching videos, so to manage the screen time, what you can do is, make certain decisions and encourage them to earn their screen time by performing some activities told by you. Whether it may be cleaning their room for extra 15 mins using a gadget or completing their homework before time to get the mobile for an extra half an hour.
Prepare an appropriate screen time behavior.
If you want your child to use technology appropriately, you need to create some healthy digital habits. Teach them what’s worth online. They should not share any personal information online until their parents verify the platform.
Set “technology-free time.”
Every family must have a “technology-free time” together. Set up a time where no one should be using gadgets. By doing this activity, family members will get more connected to each other. This will create a strong bond and strong family values.
Set usage rules and limits.
Set rules that when your kids can use screens. Allow them some flexibility too. Decide what time of the day. There will be no screen times for anyone. Ask your kids to switch off their screens at least 30 mins before their bedtime. By setting up these usage limits, you can have excellent management over your kid’s screen time.
