Originally published on Bewise.in  - https://www.bewise.in/articles-blogs/tips-for-parents-to-encourage-healthy-screen-time-habits 

1. Clear Screen Time Limits

The most effective way of instilling healthy screen time habits is through clear and consistent screen time limits. Different age groups require different levels of screen exposure. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends for young children no more than one hour of screen time per day, while older children and teenagers can manage a bit more. Setting a daily limit on the use of screens will help parents avoid interference by these irresistible displays with activities more worthwhile: homework, outdoor play, or bonding with the family.

Tip: Make your children join you in setting limits for them. When you tell them how you came up with those limits, they might take better care of them.

Do not know how to control the amount of time spent on screen activities in front of children? Set a timer, then track using an application controlling screen time, and be strict with the schedule.

2. Set Standards and Be Consistent

The best possible way in which children can be taught healthy screen time habits is when “one in charge in the same room” sets the best example. Children are likely to model their behaviours according to those of their parents. If they see you glued to your phone or computer during family time, they are likely to join you. On the other hand, one would offer a meaningful example if he or she showed mindful use of his screens and made sure face-to-face interactions surpassed digital ones. This will instil in your children that, although there is a place for technology, there are connections and interactions that should not be made at its expense.

Tip: Enforce certain zones or times that are tech-free, such as during meals or family game nights, where even the adults disengage from their devices.

3. Promote Physical Activity and Outdoor Play

One of the positive aspects of creating healthy screen time is that the child's day contains plenty of physical activity. This may mean spending a lot of time outdoors, playing sports, or just playing in the yard, which could offer a balance to sedentary screen activities. Beyond being healthy, physical movement leads to better sleep, mood, and concentration. A hobby is exactly what your child might need to detox from screen time.

Tip: Create a daily plan with equal time for screen time and physical activity. Thus, you can ask your child to take an extra 15 minutes of screen time for stretching, being physically active, or going out and playing.

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4. Use only educational-relevant content

Healthy screen time is achieved through choosing what kind of content your child watches. All screen time is not the same; there's a vast difference between mindless video-watching and watchful engagement with educational content. Choose shows, apps, or games that encourage education and also help kids develop creative thinking and problem-solving skills. Educational platforms have made improvements in critical thinking, communication, and cognitive abilities in children.

Tip: Identify apps or apps that relate to the curricular objectives of your child. Utilise established sources, such as Common-Sense Media, to determine the suitability of the content.

Want high-quality educational content? Find content that interests you.

5. Be involved with your child's screen activities

Even when a good amount of time is being spent on the screen, the best way to ensure that the children are using their screens under a healthy range is by interacting with them during that time. If your child is watching TV or a DVD, playing on the computer or a game system, or using an educational app, sitting with them and talking over what they are doing is much more interactive than passive use of their screens. Focus on joining them in their activity instead of opposing it head-on, validate them. This is also an opportunity to learn even more about how they're using technology and whether or not they are exposed to appropriate content for their age.

Tip: Take this screen time as a bonding time and enjoy educational shows or play interactive games together.

Want to bond with your child during screen time? Find a family-friendly movie or game and enjoy it this weekend.

6. Track and control screen time usage

Technology offers tools for helping parents. For instance, monitoring the use time that children spend on their devices might help parents limit this through gadgets equipped with parental controls, block unwanted materials on-screen, or track the usage of different applications. This would be very helpful if monitored regularly to ensure the child's healthy screen times.

Tip: Utilise built-in parental control capabilities on devices or download apps like Family Link or Screen Time Parental Control to track what your child is doing on screens.

7. Teach balance between online time and offline activities

A balanced lifestyle, combining time spent using screens and time not using screens, is an important factor in healthy screen time habits. Encourage non-screen-based hobbies such as reading, drawing, playing an instrument, or building with LEGO. It ensures that your child does not spend too much of their day dominated by the screen and broadens your child's range of interests and skills.

Tip: Engage your child in a different offline activity every week. This would keep them occupied and cut down dependency on the screens.

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8. Encourage Social Interaction Beyond Screens

While screens provide entertainment and learning, they cannot be used as a replacement for everyday living social interactions. The ideal way in which social skills develop in children is when they relate in the flesh with their family, friends, and peers. So, encourage them to sit down with others and talk, go out and play with their friends, and participate in group activities, such as sports or board games, which are very crucial for developing communication skills and emotional intelligence.

Tip: Plan playdates or group events that require working together to achieve goals and communications that are screen-free.

9. Teach Your Child the Benefit of Reducing Screen Time

As kids grow up, they should be trained on the moderation of their own screen usage. Teach them to observe how long they are spending in front of devices and when it is time to take a break. Open discussions about the effects of excessive screen time- eye strain, sleep disruption and reduced physical activity among other effects, help them construct an emotionally healthy attitude toward using technology.

Tip: Set daily screen time goals with your child and encourage them to take regular breaks, especially when using screens for a long time.

10. Consistency and Patience

Healthy screen time habits don't occur overnight, but take patience and consistent tweaks as your child grows. Make sure the rules you establish are clear and model these behaviours you're expecting your child to use. Be patient as your child adjusts to the changes in routines and praise them for good choices made when using screens.

Tip: Celebrate small wins, whether it's that they're using screens less or balancing other things with screen time well.

Conclusion

Encouraging healthy screen time habits in your child requires thoughtful effort and patience. By setting limits, modelling good behaviour, and promoting a balanced lifestyle with physical activity and real-life interactions, you can guide your child toward healthy screen use without excess. While screen time itself isn’t harmful, moderation is key to maintaining its benefits. To help reduce your child's screen time, explore Bewise to find the best after-school activity centres that can engage them in productive, enriching experiences. By adopting these tips, you're paving the way for your child's well-being and future success.