Apple Screen Time
Be A Digital Role Model
Common Sense Media: Identity and Community
Common Sense Media: Parenting, Media, and Everything In Between
Common Sense: Online Safety
Google Family Link
Indoor Family Play Ideas
Making a Family Media Plan
Parental Controls: Setting Safe And Healthy Media Limits
Who: Physical Activity
Screen Time
Overview
This resource serves as a resource to assist families in protecting their children from excess screen time.
Objectives:
- Parents/caregivers will recognize risks of screen time.
- Parents/cregivers will learn how to protect their children from potential dangers of digital usage.
- Parents/caregivers will be able to model good digital use behavior.
Introduction
Being able to find an electronic device quickly is now easier than ever. Access to TVs, computers, phones, tablets, toys, or gaming systems are at everyone's fingertips. There is a great cost of young children having too much exposure to these devices and I will be discussing this risk. I will provide you with some helpful parenting tips will be provided to help you along the way.
Establish Clear Guidelines
Set Boundaries
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), it's important for parents or caregivers to create a family media plan that sets clear rules for when, where, and how digital devices can be used. Create technology free zones like the bedroom or the dining room.
Be Consistent
Remember that rules need to be taught regularly so that healthy habits can be formed. It won't be long until your child starts to make sure you know the rules also.
Promote Alternatives That Are Healthy
Encourage Physical Activity
The World Health Organization (WHO) explains the importance of doing physical activity as another option or as an addition to screen time. Encouraging outdoor play, sports, and other physical activities helps make sure that children are getting the exercise that they need. When the weather is bad outside, look for fun indoor family activities that you and your child can enjoy.
Be Creative
Doing activities like reading or drawing can be a great way to spend time too. Introducing hobbies that do not involve screens can reduce the need to have digital entertainment. Spending time as a family can promote healthy habits together.
Be A Model
Model Good Behavior
Children often copy their parents' behaviors. The AAP suggests that parents should show their children how to act responsibly with their electronic devices. Following family media rules is a good way to help your child create digital habits. For example, parents may leave their electronic devices in an area away from the dining room table during meals, or away during a family game night.
Educate on Online Safety
Discuss Online Risks
It is important to discuss online risks. Many risks include cyberbullying, privacy issues, and seeing inappropriate content. Resources like Common Sense Media offer advice on how to talk to your child and what to look for if your child starts to use social media.
Use Technology to Limit Technology
Parental Controls
Many devices have built-in settings that allow parents to set time limits, block inappropriate apps and websites, or see their child's activity. For example, Apple's Screen Time and Google's Family Link are tools that can help you manage your child's device use.
Content Filters
To make sure that your child is not viewing inappropriate content, you can use content filtering settings. This is important for young children that may not understand the risks of certain types of online content.
Monitoring
Regular Check-Ins
Make it a habit to know what your child is watching, reading, or playing on electronic devices. Make sure to know that many apps may seem safe, but they could still include innapropriate content. Make check-ins regularly, but do not tell your child ahead of time. Observe your child's behavior when you ask for their phone or device.
Know The Passwords
Ask your child for all of their passwords for social media apps.
Be Aware
Children may have ways to hide apps on a phone or create secret posts on some social media. Research some apps to see if there are ways to look at content secretly.