In a world where everyone is spending hours on their smart phones, iPads or television, it is a challenge to keep kids away from it. Besides, with so much dependency on technology, keeping kids away from screens for too long is hard.
Instead of criminalizing using the screen, it is important we learn how to manage and introduce screen time in a positive way.
Here is my take on introducing screen time.
What age to introduce it at?
I feel that it is best to wait till at least 2 years of age before introducing screen-time. The reason for this is more than just the eyes becoming weak.
Before 2 years of age, children are still physically discovering what their bodies are capable of and also learn to express themselves. They love to indulge in sensory play and hence, screen time at this age gets them accustomed to sitting for longer hours than they should.
Besides, explaining a 2 year old boundaries or moderation is very hard. So when they are enjoying their screen time it is hard to explain them why they must stop watching it.
Hence, I feel it is best to start after 2.5 years when they are slightly more mature to understand and also have developed some other interests in play so that they can be distracted elsewhere too.
Also, I always recommend starting screen time on the television or a laptop. These things can’t always be accessible to kids and hence they will be less prone to asking for a mobile phone all the time.
What content should the child be watching?
Choose content which makes them exercise their minds and that whill will eventually tire them out.
If they watch random videos continuously, putting an end to it will be hard. For example rhymes can easily be given in audio format rather than videos. Choose educational apps with small challenges, or well-made cartoon series which have short episodes.
Decide a number of episodes and make sure you follow that boundary without exception.
Do not use screen-time as a means of distraction!
This is where most of the problems stem up from. When we use screen-time as a mode of distraction for kids, they begin to think it is their comfort zone.
Often parents use screen-time to distract kids when they need to work or when kids are throwing a tantrum.
Screen-time should be given with purpose and as a means of learning.
When you offer the phone anywhere and anytime kids cannot understand why they can’t ask for it anywhere and anytime. Also, it is hard for you to monitor content, or time when you are busy working.
Thus, you have to structure when and how your child gets his/her screen-time. Try to stick to a schedule.
Set a Routine
While I am a strong believer of following a flow or rhythm for the day, for screen time I think it is non-negotiable at first (not calling it a routine cause it does not have to be precise to the minute).
Have a set time of the day when they get the screen. Other than that all day they should not get any screen time whatsoever. You can break it down to 2 parts, or all at once. But have a fixed schedule for it.
Have something fun ready for them to play with when the screen-time gets over so they continue to enjoy themselves.
I hope this was helpful for you. Leave any questions you have around screen time issues with kids and I will be happy to answer them for you!