Do your kids seek their screens immediately when they finish school or feel bored with their toys? Do you get worried if they appear too focused on scrolling on their screens? You’re not alone!

In today’s digital world, even our youngest children can get caught up endlessly flicking through pages and pages of content. While it does keep kids entertained for a while, where should parents draw the line before excessive screen time becomes detrimental rather than beneficial? More importantly, what can you do as a parent to make screen time productive and healthy for your little ones?

What excessive screentime can do

As reported by The Straits Times, a new study shows that excessive screen time can be linked to impaired brain function and detrimental effects on your child beyond childhood.

The study showed that children who are exposed to screens for longer periods of time recorded lower brain activity, which indirectly leads to difficulty controlling impulses or emotions, sustaining attention, following through multi-step instructions, and persisting in hard tasks. These results were persistent even as the children grew older.

Not forgetting that hours spent hunched over a tablet or phone can lead to eye strain, poor posture, and reduced physical activity. This habit can disrupt sleep patterns and reduce the energy your kids need to play and grow healthily.

Using screen time effectively and healthily

This doesn’t mean that all screen time is bad! Your kids may use their devices to connect and have fun with their relatives and friends, or use them to learn new things at school.

Instead, you can reinforce some rules or habits to help your children regulate their screen usage. HealthHub recommends less than one hour of screen time for kids between 18 months to 6 years old outside of school hours, and up to two hours for kids up to 12 years old unless needed for schoolwork. The key is striking a balance and setting clear boundaries on screen time for your kids.

Here are some tips to get started finding this balance for you and your kids:

1. Set up screen-free zones

Setting up areas of your home and timeframes where your kids are not allowed to use screens is a good way to reinforce boundaries on screens and gadgets. Such places include during meals at the dinner table, or one hour before bedtime.

2. Choose positive, purposeful content

Pick apps and shows that support learning, creativity, and problem-solving. Educational games, story apps, and kid-friendly documentaries can make screen time more meaningful. During parent-child bonding time, you can watch such content together and discuss it with your child.

3. Utilise built-in screen time tools

Most modern smartphones and devices can track, measure and review screen time and apps used. This is useful for kids who have their own devices. Use these settings to monitor your child’s usage, set limits, and block content if needed. You can also use these reports to review your child’s usage together and help them make better digital choices.

4. Find ways to bridge screen time and family time

Screens can inspire real-world family fun when you add a little creativity! Watch a space documentary, then grab a blanket and stargaze. Find a new recipe online, then make it a weekend tradition to cook as a family. The possibilities are endless!

Striking a healthy balance of screens

Screens aren’t the enemy, but how we use them matters a lot. Parents can turn screen time into something positive by setting healthy screen habits and staying involved in how kids interact with technology. There are always ways to involve everyone in the family to help each other screen the good from the bad!