Screen Time Series Part 2: 12 tips to solve your screen-time battles

In my last post, I shared info about drawbacks of screen time for young children, such as harmful impacts on language development, attention, and social engagement. But what about older kids?

IF used intentionally and in moderation, they will be fine and may even benefit sometimes from screens. Let’s face it, screens aren’t going anywhere… but we can take back control and build healthier relationships with them.

However, not all screen time is created equal. YouTube scrolling, social media, and unsupervised iPad time are problematic uses of screens. How can you take advantage of screen use while setting boundaries?

Here are my 12 tips to settle the screen time battles in your home:

1) Use screens on a schedule, NOT as a random reward.

This makes it predictable for your child to know when they can and can’t have it (just make sure you stick to your boundaries!) With a schedule, kids don’t need to wonder what they have to do to “earn” screen time, it won’t become a highly addictive gamble - when can I get it? How much do I get this time? Will it depend on my parent’s mood? I should keep asking again and again and maybe I’ll get it again...

When screen time is on a schedule, kids know that they can expect a little each day, and you will know what to expect from them, too.

2) Keep it BIG and OPEN, like on a TV instead of your phone.

Having screen time without secrecy is important with young children. This keeps them safe from accessing inappropriate or violent content (yes, it comes up on Youtube Kids all the time, even with parental controls).

Get used to big screens (or ones you can see easily) so that your child also isn’t used to getting phone screens every time they leave the house.

3) Quality matters.

Choose slow-paced programs with quality messaging instead of fast-paced, flashy, constantly changing visuals. For example: shows such as Mr.Rogers, Daniel Tiger, Sesame Street, & Bluey allow a child to actually focus on a topic and idea. A Cocomelon video rapidly changes scenes every few seconds, which is overstimulating and doesn’t allow for deeper learning. No story, no plot, nothing valuable gained.

Choose a half-hour kids show over half-hour of rapid scrolling through mindless Youtube suggestions.

4) Watch something together.

Enjoy some screen time as a family. Watch a football game on Sunday, or have a movie night once a week. Pick something you can all enjoy and talk about later (such as a fun Pixar movie).

Quality time connecting over stories, highlights, or lessons can make great memories. Bonus: Talking about the movie/game later can reinforce the concepts they learned.

5) Use parental controls

BUT beware that a lot of inappropriate content slips through.

6) Give your child clear boundaries with your handheld device.

Your phone is for work, making calls or video chats with people, etc. A cell phone is not a toy for children.

7) This may be the LEAST popular suggestion, but be mindful of your own screen time around your child.

If they see you constantly pulling out your phone, scrolling mindlessly, or using it to fill time whenever waiting... they will learn these habits, too.

8) Use a visual timer.

This helps kids to see how much time they have left, which makes the transition smoother. Or, you could use a sand timer for a countdown!

9) Encourage fun digital activities that aren’t video scrolling during their scheduled screen time.

I have had many parents share screen time activities that are great alternatives to scrolling!

i) Exploring Google Maps - fun for kids who love learning about their city, landmarks, bus stops, and interactive map features.

ii) Storytelling apps, such as Epic - this has a huge library of ebooks and audiobooks for kids!

iii) Nature shows - Something about David Attenborough’s voice is so relaxing for all ages, right? These programs offer rich vocabulary, lessons on life cycles, habitats, environment, and biology. Think Planet Earth, or the Blue Planet series.

iv) Try a Yoto player or kid-friendly podcasts instead - Yoto is a popular screen free story read-aloud device.

10) No background TV/screens.

Yes, it’s true… background TV is consistently linked with lower language scores. If they aren’t actively watching, turn it off.

11) Turn off screens AT LEAST 1 hour before bedtime.

Blue light suppresses natural melatonin production (needed for regulating sleep-wake cycles).

And my last tip?

12) Be patient.

If your child is used to getting screens constantly, they will complain about new limits. Remind them when they will get their screen time again (i.e. before dinner), and stick to your limits. The benefits of reducing screen time are worth the initial complaints!