How to Limit Your Child's Screen Time and Aware Them with the Risks
“Watching TV is the peril that everyone chooses to hate but can’t seem to breathe without.”
—Paddy Chayevsky
According to the Kaiser Foundation, the alarming trend of incessant use of a screen is increasing each day. This has dire consequences on the mental growth of individuals, especially young ones. Fortunately, when it comes to limit the screen time for kids, parents can take certain measures for quick adaption:
- Children under the age of six can watch the screens for 2 hours a day; this includes watching TV, videos, and DVDs.
- Children aged 8 to 18 years are allowed to use screens for almost 4 hours a day. Besides, they have to work for schools on computers, so take my two extra hours for work and other activities.
- From 18 onwards, 10 to 11 hours are enough to spend on screens. It is true as they have ample work to do, so they're allowed to go beyond the regular time limit.
Other than the limitation of time, the effects of watching screens and being addicted to new-age technology are quite harmful to children. They have to face many problems, and some of them are shared below:
- They are at high risk of becoming obese.
- They are more prone to an aggressive response.
- Get engaged in bad behaviour.
- Have low energy to do school work.
- Become less focused on studies.
These days, we can see that children are watching screens beyond the limitations imposed on them. It is quite harmful for kids to watch screens the entire day. Yet, only some parents practice helping them control their addiction and reform their routines. Remember to control your emotional reaction over a child, as it won’t be helpful at all. Treat your children with love and care.
Here we will explore some great tips to help you limit the screen time of kids. Each of them is authentic and practised by parents in their homes. Let's take a sneak peek:
Set an Example
It is a no-brainer - children are used to following the footsteps of their parents. It's quite challenging to make your child skilful. You must remember that whatever you do is what they'll see and follow, so be wise and smart with your actions. For instance, if they see you reading a newspaper, they'll do the same. Also, if you get engaged in watching screens, they will adopt the same habit. Try to be a good influence in their life, so they have the chance to build themselves as great people.
Limit Their Screen Time
Needless to say, kids who spend excessive time in front of screens will have poor grades in exams. Being a good parent, you should limit their hours. If you're not doing it then given your unconcerned attitude, they'll face trouble succeeding in their future. Make them develop a habit of reading books instead of watching shows for hours by being their ultimate guide. Besides that, give them clear instructions and encourage them to only watch shows for 1 to 2 hours every day.
Stay Connected To Them
Many parents don't pay attention to what their child is doing. They stay concerned with their lives and work, which is quite harmful to their children and their bright future. It's proven by the studies; involving kids in activities is easier than to get involved in their lives. However, for good parenting, it's an essential step. Make sure to observe them closely and notice if they're doing great or need your help. Listen to what they are saying and be their friend, so there will be no need for outsiders. Besides, give them time, play games with them and go out for a walk. You must give them the time they need by the age of 6, so you'll get the love you deserve by the age of 16.
No Television in the Bedroom
It's just a simple change that may seem small at the time, but has a great impact and often improves the quality of living. Especially when you want to limit your child's hours of watching TV. It will also change your family life and helps build a connection between you and your children. Try not to have any screen in yours and your child's bedroom. This step can pave the way towards healthy living.
Keep a Check on Your Child
Observe your children and their behavioural changes. It is a known fact that after watching too much TV, children get irritable, aggressive, and impatient. The rays omit from screens are quite dangerous and have impacts on their brains in a negative way. Be on the lookout for their changes and try to notice them, as you're the only person who can save them from harm. Also, involve them in other tasks, like assignment and essay writing. If you find them requiring consultancy or help for their coursework, you can pay for assignments.
Inform Them about the Effects
Parents play a vital role in their children's lives. It's indeed your job to make them aware of the effects of viewing screens too much. Some of the children know that it's not healthy to use screens excessively every day. Besides, being a good parent, you should not give your child a reason to serve time to internet and television usage. From a very early age, explain to them how drastic video games, movies, and images can be. Also, discuss the possible hazards of online predators.
Track Their Activities
Make sure to track your children’s activities and keep your eyes on what are they watching on the TV or internet. If you’re an Android user, then you can have access to the channels and webpage, your children are surfing. Few of them are quite harmful and risky to open, so monitor their activities and aware them about this.
There's a new feature in Android smartphones; parents can now control the screen of their children. Besides, they can set limits that restrict them from watching inappropriate content. Ensure that you have the full access on what your child is doing; else, you'll have to face problems.
As parents, it is your responsibility to keep a consistent check on your child; however, don’t make them feel uncomfortable. Keep these tips in mind so that you can efficiently limit their screen time.