8 Assured Ways To Manage A Child's Daily Screen Time

Are you also worried about your kids’ excessive use of technology? Stop being anxious! We’ve come up with 8 assured ways to manage a child’s daily screen time.

Kids are already captivated and engrossed by screens. Their eyes are devoted to television shows, cartoons, YouTube videos, video games, and more. Furthermore, the advent of online studies has resulted in greater utilization of screen time than earlier. Though, learning to manage a child’s screen time should be your top-most priority as a parent. In today’s tech-savvy society, children have lost contact with outdoor play, preferring to be connected to laptops or phones rather than a bat and a ball. The truth is that technology is governing the globe by making our lives easier than they were previously, yet children lose sight of the boundaries that must be followed when using technology.

On the other hand, overburdening the minds with technology will halt brain growth. According to the study, more than half of children over the age of eight own tablets and laptops. It is a major problem that can have an impact on a child’s development. So, in this article, you will learn 8 proven techniques to manage a child’s screen time.

8 Assured Ways To Manage A Child’s Daily Screen Time

1. Manage A Proper Schedule For Other Activities

Children should be encouraged to opt for various activities of their choice. As a parent, you can maintain a proper schedule for your kids. You can create a list of activities which they will enjoy with you, their friends, or siblings. Children should be aware that there is a life beyond technology that they can enjoy and embrace. It is important to create a balance in their lives that will help them develop into independent and responsible young adults.

This will not only strengthen their social and educational capabilities but will also allow them to focus more on their everyday tasks. An excellent strategy to manage a child’s screen time is to keep a regular timetable for them to help them practice several activities of their choice. However, it is essential to devise a plan that works best for them and encourages them to conform. You can buy various activity books, engage kids in outdoor games such as skating, playing cricket, enroll in online painting classes, online chess classes, or whatever suits them.

2. Passive Ownership Of Gadgets

A mother and a daughter watching something on a tablet

Research shows that many parents buy their kids’ personal mobile phones, tabs, and laptops early when they are not ready to take responsibility or are not mature enough to take ownership of a gadget. Teens are not mature enough to understand the impact of screen time on their development. As a result, only allow passive ownership of electronics for children. It will allow you to monitor device usage and teach your children the advantages and pitfalls of screen time.

You can set a proper time for them to use such gadgets. Having a proper time for them to use screens will help them become more active and disciplined in their daily routines. You can also let them play video games or watch shows for a limited time. So, providing only passive ownership of gadgets can help you manage a child’s screen time effectively.

Related Article: 8 Strategies to Make Your Kids More Responsible

3. Set Proper Rules & Limits For Technology Usage

Set appropriate restrictions and regulations for technology usage if you wish to manage a child’s screen time. If you have a toddler, you can plan and devote only weekends to watching their favorite shows or movies. Encourage toddlers to participate in little household chores, therapeutic activities, or other activities that will help them develop their motor skills and general development.

Limit your child’s use of phones and tablets to a particular number of hours per day or week if he/she is in his teenage years. There should also be strict rules against bringing iPads and phones to dining tables. Also, keep in mind that children should turn off their screens at least one hour before going to bed. Furthermore, as a parent, remember to follow and enforce strict regulations because children are only influenced by their parents. Read a book instead of using your phone in bed. This minor practice will encourage children to persevere to what you practice yourself.

4. Consequences Of Not Following The Rules

Make it clear to your children that if they do not obey the rules you have established, they will face consequences. Make sure your kids understand what will happen if they do not follow the screen time limits. For example, if your child violates the guidelines, he or she will lose the opportunity of playing video games next weekend or a few viewing hours in the coming week. These consequences should be clear. It’s important to be fair when you set rules for your children. You can also set the rules for your children according to their age and maturity level. Do not hesitate to give your children some guidance and direction. As a parent, it’s your responsibility to guide your children and ensure that they make the right choices.

5. Distracting Children With Screens Is A Big No

If you are a working parent with no time to handle your child’s moods, you will probably become overwhelmed by your workload and your child’s tantrums. So, it’s becoming normal in today’s world for parents to pacify their children by allowing them to watch something if they’re not eating or studying. This approach is wrong. The most important thing to remember is to properly instruct children. So, as a parent, you need to find a different approach to manage a child’s screen time. Rather than giving in to their tantrums by allowing them to use a screen to force them to eat, read them a story or put rhymes and stories on Alexa while making them eat.

6. Follow A Reward System

It is better to use the reward system to teach your children how to handle their behavior. The reward system will teach your child that they will get their desired things if they behave well. It will help children follow the guidelines more carefully, and you will be able to better supervise their screen time. They must understand that positive reinforcement will provide them with a useful reward. It will aid in the development of self-discipline. For example, you can ask them to play outside and present them with a reward, or you can promise them an ice cream treat if they help you with kitchen chores, and so on.

7. Encourage Technology Free Bonding Time

Spending quality time with kids is one of the best approaches to managing a child’s screen time. Families need to have technology-free bonding time together. In the 21st-century, most families are together but still distant because of technology. People sit together while psychologically and emotionally immersed in the realm of technology.

Sit down with your children and have in-depth conversations with them. Allow children to share their stories and concerns with you. This is the time to teach values and knowledge in children that you want them to learn. You may also show kids some animated movies that will teach them morals. Maintaining a healthy connection with one another’s life will build a positive parental relationship.