According to a recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics, Internet use among children and teens doubled during the COVID-19 pandemic. While staying virtually connected might have eliminated some of their sense of isolation during quarantines and shutdown, it can adversely affect health in other ways.
It’s your job to give children the tools they need to thrive – including proper internet use and strategies for safeguarding their well-being. Here are five tips to help kids limit their screen time.
1. Explain the Reasons
Think back to when you had a bad case of the “whys” as a kid, and your exasperated parents finally snapped back, “Because I said so.” You probably grumbled, maybe even threw a minor temper tantrum at what you saw as a capricious attempt to force you to do something unpleasant or prevent you from doing what you wanted to do.
Children, especially older ones, are more receptive to instruction when you explain the reason for certain rules instead of applying them seemingly at random. For example, let them know why you want them to power down their devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime – otherwise, the blue-light wavelength emitted by the screen can make it challenging to fall asleep. They’ll learn a cool science tidbit and be more likely to comply.
Even young children can understand stranger danger. Explain that you should never give personal details such as your full name, address or phone number over the internet because of the risk of predators. It also helps to locate the family computer in a public space, like the living room, instead of letting your kids take it to the bedroom.
What about using spyware apps to monitor what your children do online? While such software might be useful, it shows that you don’t trust your kids. This toxic dynamic could breed resentment, perhaps a relatable feeling if your employer rushed to require such programs after switching to telecommuting, even though your production levels show you’re on task. It’s better to openly communicate about problems than try to “bust” your little ones and punish them.
2. Use Parental Controls
There’s no reason that your 8-year-old should be able to access adult pornographic sites. Use parental controls to minimize the possibility that your child will stumble across inappropriate content online.
Pay attention to your child’s gaming, not only their computer use. Many popular versions contain chat functions, allowing players to connect worldwide. Unfortunately, predators also scour these boards in search of victims. Consider disabling the chat function, especially if your little one has their console in their room where you can’t always supervise.
3. Make a Charging Center
A no-nonsense way to get everyone to power down at day’s end is to create a charging station in your kitchen or living room. Have everyone in your family power down and plug in before going to bed.
Doing this sets an example that electronics don’t belong in the bedroom. You establish positive sleep hygiene at an early age. You also minimize the chances that your kids will run into danger online at night under the covers, letting you sleep easier. Finally, doing so might extend your phone’s battery life – they do best when you keep them at around 50%-80% capacity, never dropping below 20%.
4. Seek Friendly Wi-Fi
You probably know not to check your bank balance when plugged into the Wi-Fi at your neighbourhood coffee shop – at least, not without a VPN. Unsecured networks can also pose threats to your little one, especially in today’s age of shared data plans.
Whenever possible, seek kid-friendly Wi-Fi that automatically blocks suspicious sites. You can buy speciality routers for this purpose. Check to see if your daycare uses one.
5. Offer Alternative Activities
How many times do you tell your kids to get off their tablets? Instead of wasting your breath with demands of what they shouldn’t be doing, offer something that excites their passions.
Get outside and go to the playground – the fresh air will do you good. Delight your littles with some toys that don’t require a plug. You don’t necessarily need to spend a lot of money. You can pick up colouring books at nearly any dollar store, and many hardware stores give away used wooden pallets for free. Can your budding “Bob the Builder” transform one into the perfect backyard birdhouse?
Limit Screen Time and Open New Possibilities
The pandemic helped many parents reassess their priorities. However, it also meant too many kids spent too much time on their devices.
Heed the tips above to help your children limit their screen time. The internet is an invaluable tool, but it’s your job as a parent to train the next generation to use it wisely.