In today’s digital world, screen time may feel inevitable for some parents. However, too much screen time, especially for young children, can lead to negative consequences such as poor sleep schedules, reduced focus or attention span, and a lack of physical activity. Many parents themselves often express frustration that their child gives up on sports, extracurriculars, or other activities in favor of screen time. Here are a few tips for fostering a healthy screen time balance with your children, no matter the age:

Schedule Screen Time

One of the best ways to minimize excess screen time and encourage children to engage in other productive activities is to schedule time in advance. For example, allowing your child a set amount of time for watching TV per day, or setting a timer when they are on a tablet or phone. This helps to create routines where screen time is allowed, but not excessive.

Learning-Based Screen Time

One of the benefits of technology is the number of educational and learning-based options that you can utilize. Finding productive and purposeful activities, such as interactive games, informational television channels, etc., can provide learning opportunities for your child even during screen time. This can easily be adjusted for older children as well, such as trivia games to help with studying, documentaries to learn more about current events, and virtual youth groups.

Establish No Screen Zones

Finding a healthy balance for technology usage looks different in every home, but establishing strict screen-free zones, such as at the dinner table or in bedrooms, can help minimize over-usage. Additionally, this helps encourage healthier activities such as face-to-face conversations, prayer, and outdoor play.

Set a Positive Example

Leading by example is one of the most effective ways to teach your children healthy screen use. Modeling healthy technology use and engaging in screen-free activities yourself often helps children imitate this behavior and be better equipped to limit their own screen time as adults!

Fostering and enforcing healthy screen time habits can be difficult, especially as children get older and may see differing expectations in their friends’ and classmates’ homes. However, establishing routine structures within your home that embrace screen time while encouraging limitations is possible! Ultimately, balance is key and finding a healthy balance between technology use and educational or play-based activities supports your child’s healthy growth and development.