Screen time is a new hot topic for parents and researchers alike. Over the last decade, technology has gone mobile, which means it is pretty darn hard to avoid.
Research is still working out the long term impact of devices on kids. Here’s what we know so far, and what you as a parent can do about it…
The Research
Devices + Bed = No Sleep
It’s undisputed: when it comes to bedtime, devices are a big no-no. They are known to emit a specific light wavelength that messes with sleep patterns. Doctors recommend that kids don’t use devices for at least one hour before bed.
Kids and Teens Can’t Control That ‘Device-Checking Impulse’ Very Well
Kids and teens are still developing, and along with that, their brain is still developing too.
Screen Time is Linked to Depression and Anxiety
According to studies, kids who spend a lot of time in front of screens are at a greater risk for emotional issues and low self-esteem. This is in part because the more time kids are spending in front of screens, the less time they are spending doing other healthy activities like socializing or being active. Aside from that, though, is the content that devices (ie. media…) expose our children to.
Educational Apps are a Gimmick (Most of the Time)
As of now, there are over 10,000 ‘educational apps’ in the app store. Problem is? Only a handful of them are truly educational. Apple and Google are (hopefully) in the process of tightening up their categories, so that only legit educational apps can earn the label of being educational. Until then, do your research.
Verbal Screen Time ‘Warnings’ Do More Harm Than Good
Every parent knows the struggle of limiting device use. Handing a tablet over is easy enough, but getting it back? That’s when the struggle begins. According to new research, giving kids a warning that screen time is coming to an end increases the chances that kids will fight back and defy their limitation. Apparently, using technology to set limits is the best way to go – think apps that don’t lead kids into the next level, or parental controls that give you control over your kids devices remotely.
What You Can Do
It goes without saying, but setting clear limits on tech use is not just important, it’s essential.
To start, open lines of communication about device use with your kids early on, and keep the dialogue going. Explain why screen time rules are important, and set a good example. If you don’t want your kid to look at their device in the middle of a conversation, hold yourself to the same rule.
A great tool for parents to set limits on device use is a parental control app called OurPact. To start, parents sign up for an account – for free – at their website. Then, you pair your kids devices and are able to manage them remotely through through at-a-touch blocking or automated schedules. It’s great for setting bedtime schedules, making sure devices don’t cause distractions during homework time, and for enjoying ping-free family dinners. It works on Wi-Fi and all cellular connections, meaning you can manage access whether you’re at the grocery store or at home.
Linda says
I have two kids and a parental control app is a must for my family. It was hard to find the one which would meet our family needs, but we did it and found it. It is called Kidslox (www.kidslox.com). I set restrictions on my son’s devices and now I know that he will not find inappropriate things while searching the Internet, also I blocked some games, so he would not play them all day long. Kidslox is the best app ever.