As tough as it is to cut back on screen time as an adult, it can be that much tougher to encourage the same for our kids. They live in a world where video games, TV, phones, and iPads are more accessible than ever. However, research has found time and time again that when it comes to screen time and children, limits can make a big difference in their well-being.
The Importance of Screen Time Limits
Screens aren’t always a bad thing – a bit of educational gaming or relaxing TV on a rainy day can be a fun treat, but it’s essential to keep kids’ tech use in moderation. Studies have found that:
- Kids who view screens for more hours per day are more likely to experience behavioral issues and have a harder time learning new words.
- Excessive screen time can lead to emotional dysregulation and math difficulties in school-age students.
- Too much screen time can impact the sleep quality, emotional development, and social development of 4- and 5-year-olds.
Kids ages 8 and up spend a daily average of 4.5 hours watching TV on their screens, and most kids aren’t getting the recommended minimum of exercise each day. Setting limits for screen time can free up more hours for exercise, exploration, and creativity.
Screen Time and Children: How to Create Healthy Limits
There’s no one-size-fits-all expert recommendation on how many hours of screen time school-aged kids should have each day. Instead, it’s about choosing limits that are best for your family, your schedule, and your kids’ needs.
Keep Limits Clear and Consistent
With screen time and children, consistency is key. Of course, consistency also has its own limits: in the whirlwind of raising a family, screen time priorities might change as you shift between school days, summer days off, or cooped-up rainy days. In general, aim to keep screen time limits as predictable as possible. Consider removing screens at mealtimes when the family is at the table together. Many families find success setting “tech curfews,” in which kids shut down their screens 30 minutes to an hour before bed. Talk to kids about why it’s important to spend time away from screens and work with older kids to set limits together as a team.
Encourage Alternate Activities
Encourage kids to spend the time they gain back from their screens on activities they’re excited about. Foster any burgeoning interests, from drawing to sports to playing outside, and consider clubs or classes they can dive into. The CDC recommends that children spend at least 1 hour each day doing physical activity, and off-screen time is an excellent opportunity for kids to get moving. Kids who are routinely active are more likely to have better grades, better classroom behavior, and even better memory.
Choose Activities That Can Be Enjoyed Without You
Limiting screen time becomes more challenging if kids’ screen-free activities are dependent on you being an active participant. Extra family time is great, but if a screen-free activity can only happen when parents are free, kids will default right back to screens anytime parents are busy. Instead, make screen-free hobbies an opportunity for kids to socialize with their peers, take ownership of their talents, and even train with pros who can help them improve their skills.
A great way to foster socialization skills could be by signing them up for lessons, workshops, and other structured activities outside the house. Seek out educational spaces that share your values and well-trained experts you can trust with your kids. Learning centers like America’s Kids In Motion offer a variety of classes, from swimming to dance to even ninja lessons, all in one place and taught by professional instructors. If you have more than one kid in your household, a center like America’s Kids In Motion is ideal, as it can accommodate multiple age groups and interests. This will allow you to foster multiple kids’ interests in one go without adding separate drop-offs to your routine.
Ideal Activities for Substituting Screen Time
The best screen-free activities for your kids are dependent on what each kid enjoys. Crafts, books, and art classes can be great for fostering creativity, and physical activities like gymnastics, swimming, dance, and open gyms can help keep kids moving. The most important thing is to seek out activities that each kid finds fun, engaging, and a bit challenging, so they’ll look forward to it more than any screen.
Try Screen-Free Classes at America’s Kids In Motion
Reach out to America’s Kids In Motion today to find out more about education, sports, and social activities all under one roof at our Clovis, CA, location. Parents love our high-quality, expert-led, and kid-focused programs that keep students engaged in activities far more exciting than their screens. Contact us to enroll or learn more about our programming.
