In today’s world, screens are almost everywhere, from TVs and tablets to smartphones and laptops. For parents and caregivers of young children in Australia, it can be challenging to find the right balance between beneficial screen time and the potential downsides of too much digital exposure.
Research shows that moderate, age-appropriate screen time can be both educational and entertaining, but understanding how to incorporate it wisely is essential for a child’s overall development.
Here are some tips to help you navigate screen time in a balanced, mindful way.
The importance of finding a healthy balance
Finding a healthy balance for screen time is crucial for children’s development. Numerous studies have highlighted the detrimental effects of excessive screen time on young children’s development.
That’s why limiting screen time is necessary. As a parent or caregiver, you need to create opportunities for your children to spend time outdoors, engage in physical activity, and encourage social interactions and creative pursuits.
When children are busy with these sorts of activities, they are less likely to spend time staring at the screen.
At the same time, you need to work on building a healthy relationship with technology from a young age. This can help children develop essential skills like self-regulation, time management, and digital literacy.
By teaching children to use screens mindfully and responsibly, and by guiding them on online safety and selecting appropriate content, parents empower them to make informed choices in today’s digital landscape.
How to effectively manage screen time
1. Set age-appropriate screen limits
The first step for effectively managing your children’s digital consumption is limiting screen time. Infants and toddlers should have minimal to no screen time. Generally, you should avoid giving children under 18 months any screen time.
For preschoolers, screen time should be limited to about one hour of high-quality, educational programming each day. This stage is critical for hands-on learning and play, so screen time should be a small part of their routine.
As for children aged 6 to 18, it’s recommended to limit recreational screen time to 1-2 hours per day. Establish a daily or weekly screen schedule and make sure your child understands and follows the guidelines.
2. Monitor content
However, limiting screen time is not where your job ends. Keep in mind that not all online content is good for children. That’s why your next step should be monitoring the content your child is accessing online or through digital media.
Experts from the childcare centre in Burwood suggest you choose the content they will access. Content that is age-appropriate and aligns with your family’s values and beliefs.
Additionally, you should choose programs or apps that encourage interaction, creativity, and learning. Look for shows that introduce concepts like numbers, letters, and problem-solving, or apps that encourage active participation rather than passive viewing.
3. Engage with your child during screen time
Don’t leave your child alone during screen time. Instead, join them whenever you can. Talk about what they’re watching, ask questions, and encourage them to express their thoughts. This interaction helps build language skills and reinforces learning.
Similarly, you can use screen time to encourage conversations. For instance, if watching a nature documentary, discuss animals or habitats together to expand their understanding beyond the screen.
4. Be a positive role model for screen time
Teach by example even when it comes to screen time. If they see you limiting your own screen time and engaging in other activities, they’re more likely to adopt a balanced approach to screens as they grow.
Also, make sure you set aside specific screen-free times, such as during meals or before bed, to emphasize family connection and conversation.
5. Screen-free times and zones
It’s highly important to create screen-free zones in your home. Make sure that certain areas in your home, like the dining room or bedrooms, are screen-free zones. This can help prevent screen time from becoming too integrated into all parts of the day.
Similarly, you can ensure that screen time is limited to specific times of the day. For example, afternoons, or after play times can be reserved as screen time. Having a routine helps children know when to expect screen time and prevents it from becoming a go-to activity
6. Balance screen time with active play and social interaction
As mentioned, it’s crucial to work on balancing screen time with active play and social interaction. Active play is essential for young children’s physical development. Make sure screen time doesn’t replace outdoor play, hands-on exploration, or movement-based activities.
Real-life interactions with parents, caregivers, and other children are crucial for developing communication and social skills. Aim to balance screen time with opportunities for face-to-face interaction and cooperative play.
7. Avoid screen time before bed
As we said, screen time should be limited to a specific time of the day. And that time should never be before bed.
Screen time too close to bedtime can interfere with sleep quality. Stimulating content and the effects of blue light can negatively affect melatonin production. Try to turn off screens at least an hour before bed and incorporate calming activities like reading or storytelling.
Conclusion
Moderation, engagement, and quality are three crucial elements of screen time in early childhood. By being intentional about when and how screens are used, you can create a balanced environment where screen time supports, rather than replaces, important developmental experiences. When used thoughtfully, screen time can become a beneficial part of your child’s learning journey.