Implementing screen free time at home
IMPLEMENTING SCREEN FREE TIME AT HOME
In this day and age we are bombarded with technology. We use it everyday to communicate, interact, at work, school and in our homes. There are many pros of technology use such as; connection and communication, access to information, and educational opportunities. But there are also cons; including an increase of sedentary behaviors impacting on development, health and well-being. So what do we do when our children become reliant on technology use?
The recommended guidelines for screen time, are as follows;
Infant (less than 1 year of age): Screen time is not recommended.
1-2 years of age: No screen time for a 1-year-old. No more than an hour for 2-year-olds, with less time preferred.
3 to 4 years old: No more than one hour.
5-17 years old: No more than two hours of sedentary recreational screen time per day for children and young people (not including schoolwork).
Some things you can try at home instead of screen time;
Set clear boundaries around screen times; Based on your child’s age and individual needs. Designate device free zones such as at meal times to encourage quality family time.
Be an example; Model healthy technology use. Children emulate their parents and caregivers behavior. We can be good role models by demonstrating a healthy balance of screen time.
Encourage interest in activities that don’t involve a screen; Encourage your child to spend time playing outdoors and exploring hobbies, interests and community activities together.
Encourage children to regulate their screen time; Give them a sense of autonomy over their choices and involve them in the decision making process.
It is not always easy to implement screen free time for our children. In order to reduce screen time and support physical activity and development, you can come up with a family plan around screen free time that works for your family. Setting clear boundaries, leading by example, involving your child in the decision making process, and exploring hobbies, interests, and increasing physical activity, can all contribute to reducing screen time and support quality family time.
References:
American Optometric Association. (2016, May, 6). New WHO guidance: Very limited daily screen time recommended for children under 5. Information retrieved from https://www.aoa.org/.../screen-time-for-children-under-5...
American Psychological Association. (2019, December 12). Digital guidelines: Promoting healthy technology use for children. https://www.apa.org/.../social.../technology-use-children
Australian Institute of Family Studies. (August, 2021). Joshi, A,. and Hinkley, T. Too much time on screens? Screen time effects and guidelines for children and young people. Retrieved from; https://aifs.gov.au/.../short-articles/too-much-time-screens
The World Health Organisation. (2019). Guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behavior and sleep for children under 5 years of age. ISBN 978-92-4-155053-6
