In today’s digital world, screens are everywhere–smartphones, tablets, TVs, and gaming consoles have become an integral part of daily life. Reducing screen time in children can protect their mental health, physical well-being and social development. Excessive screen time can cause sleep disturbances, reduced physical activity and difficulties focusing, according to studies.
As a parent, knowing how to reduce screen time for children is crucial. Setting boundaries, encouraging outdoor activities, and leading by example are effective ways to help them develop healthier digital habits.
In this guide we will explore strategies that can be used to decrease screen time for kids, while still allowing them to enjoy the benefits of modern technology. Create a screen-smart and balanced lifestyle for your entire family!
The Slippery Slope of Children’s Screen Addiction
Screens are the curse of modern parents. My husband and I are involved in heated discussions or fights almost every day with my 5- and 6-year old about screens. It’s our fault. We allowed them to have the iPad and too much television way too soon, and it is now killing us.
My first family vacation was to Bali when both of my boys were under 2. Quick! Grab the iPad and use it to entertain your eldest while you are on the plane or at the villa. We distracted him with iPad games and movies again when he went to the hospital with an eye infection that required surgery.
He was still so young and unwell. We were so relieved that he didn’t lose an eye, we indulged in excessive screen time. The nightmare began here. We had a drug addict and his brother was not far behind.
There are Screens Everywhere.
It’s hard to be a good, responsible parent when your children are constantly exposed to screens. When you take your kids to the salon, there is an iPad. Another child is watching YouTube on the mother’s phone while you are at the doctor’s. What do you do if you want to play music or take a photo of your family? Take out your phone. My boys still got their screens fixed even when we banned games or set some screen limits.
It’s Not Just the iPad.
We have banned screens on weekdays except on Wednesday nights. This may seem like a good thing, but the boys are still playing Xbox games, fighting over Netflix, downloading apps for the iPad, and trying to get our phones so they can watch YouTube. They don’t classify TV watching as screen time. It’s only a screen when it’s a digital video game.
Repercussions of our Screen
No matter how few screen times they are allowed, how many rules they follow, or what incentives we offer, they will still be agitated when the time is up or they must do something else, even if that’s going to a birthday party or family outing.
They talk about screens ALL THE TIME, even when they are not allowed to use them or they’re banned from using them (during our technology detox period). They live for weekends because they believe they can play Roblox or Minecraft if they are lucky. It’s so sad to me that they would rather watch a screen instead of doing something together as a family. They do enjoy it when we force them to do an activity.
I’ve noticed that my kids ignore their hunger cues, or need to go to the bathroom when they’re using screens. They also become very angry, and sometimes, even though he’s not allowed screens near bedtime, he can’t fall asleep for several hours because he’s thinking about games, and imagining himself playing them. It’s a huge problem, and I’m so sad about what it does to my family.
Addiction and Related Issues
I read a few years ago that kids who play games such as Minecraft have brain patterns that are similar to those of heroin addicts. It made perfect sense to me. My children are addicted. They are prone to rage and obsessed with their “fix”; they will lose it when you take it from them.
A child psychologist told me once that preschoolers shouldn’t have access to iPads, smartphones, or even so-called educational apps. They should only watch TV and in very small amounts. She cited rage, sleep problems, and the loss of quality family time as her main reasons. However, she also cited an increase in children with eyesight issues due to too much time spent using tablets and smartphones.
Basics Forgotten
The idea is that young children shouldn’t be expected to sit and focus on something complex. They should instead be climbing trees or playing in the sand, building important gross motor skills. This will help them later when they need to hold a pencil and remain still in class.
This is why many children need occupational therapy to improve their concentration and behavior. Kids didn’t require occupational therapy before screens because they did a lot of physical activity with their parents and used their hands and their eyes more than focusing on a tiny screen.
Screen Recommendations
According to reports, children younger than 18 months should not be allowed to use screens at all (except for Skype or Facetime), while those older than 5 years old should watch only one hour of TV a day with their parents. You’ll notice that games are not mentioned. These recommendations are fantastic, but are they realistic? What about my son who started school at four years old? They use computers and iPads in the classroom.
Looking for a Solution
My husband and I don’t know how to solve the screen war in our home. We know we need to act quickly before our 1-year-old (who knows how powerful and fascinating screens and phones are) falls into the same trap. We will both try to limit our own screen time around the kids and implement a strictly limited screen time, with a requirement of equal ‘green’ (outdoor) play, bike riding, sports, etc.
We’re seriously considering a screen-free home, except for a small amount of television on weekends and computers used only by school students under our supervision. This drastic measure might be necessary. It will be difficult, but it may be needed.
Look Back
If I could go back in time, I would not even let my kids have an iPad or Xbox games until they reached school age. My boys are only 5 and 6, so they’re not quite ready to use screens yet. Take my advice and be careful not to expose your children to screens too early. You will regret it.
In the past, parents were concerned about how much TV their children watched. Today, concerns extend far beyond cartoons and include various digital activities.
Experts suggest that “screen time” isn’t just about television—it includes any electronic activity children engage in, such as texting, playing video games, watching shows and movies, browsing websites, and using social media platforms.
Plugged In
Take a look at these statistics:
- The average 8- to 10-year-old spends nearly eight hours per day using various media.
- Teenagers use media for more than 11 hours per day on average.
- 75% of 12- to 17-year-olds own cell phones.
- After going to sleep, the average teenager sends 34 texts.
- In early 2011, the average teenager sent 3,364 texts per month.
- Many children and teens have TVs in their rooms.
- 84% have Internet access.
What’s the result?
A generation of young people so attached to their digital devices—phones, video games, TVs, and computers—that they have become disconnected from the real world.
They are experiencing screen addiction. And like most addictions, this one can negatively impact a child’s safety, well-being, and emotional health. It may also lead to difficulty forming meaningful relationships, lack of sleep, reduced physical activity, and potential exposure to dangerous individuals online.
How to Reduce Screen Time?
Experts believe parents can and must take steps to help their children unplug from excessive technology use. Here are 10 strategies for a digital detox:
- Create a media policy for the family and stick to it. If children overuse devices, set limits or remove access to phones, tablets, TVs, or gaming consoles.
- Monitor social media activity. Some children access inappropriate content, engage in risky conversations, cyberbully others, or become victims of cyberbullying. If you disapprove of your child’s online behavior, restrict access or take away the device.
- Ensure transparency. Experts stress that teens don’t always grasp the permanence of online activity. Parents should guide them in making responsible digital choices.
- Use an app to disable phones while driving. Texting while driving significantly increases accident risks.
- Remove TVs from bedrooms. Studies link bedroom TVs to obesity, increased drug use, and exposure to inappropriate content.
- Ban electronics at the dinner table. If everyone is glued to their screens, family bonding time is lost. Put phones away and engage in conversation.
- Keep desktop computers in common areas to monitor online activity.
- No cell phones at bedtime. Charge devices overnight in a shared space to ensure kids get uninterrupted sleep.
- Avoid flashy phones for children. These can make them targets for theft and harm. A basic phone may be a safer alternative.
- Check phone bills regularly for any concerning activity. If necessary, restrict or remove the device temporarily.
How Prevalent is Screen Dependence Disorder Among Children?
A 2015 study published in Behavior Sciences (Basel) found that 12% of American adolescents are considered “pathological” video gamers.
Researchers point out that while video games don’t involve chemical substances, they can still lead to addictive behaviors.
Some mental health professionals report that excessive gaming, online video watching, and social media use contribute to 80% of the issues they see in young patients. These experts note that uncontrolled recreational screen use both day and night can lead to significant personality changes and developmental concerns.
Many doctors, including general practitioners and psychiatrists, may not realize that some children get as little as two to three hours of sleep per night due to excessive screen use. This severe lack of rest can lead to mood disturbances and behavioral issues.
The Effects of Too Much Screen Time on Our Children
The effects of screen addiction can be devastating to a child. Child development experts warn that excessive screen-time can cause insomnia, headaches and anxiety.
These issues are even more serious in the long term. According to research, prolonged screen use can cause changes in the brain’s structure, especially in areas that are responsible for impulse control, planning and emotional development. This can affect a child’s ability to regulate their behavior, develop empathy, and organize thoughts.
Digital devices are not harmful in themselves. These devices are valuable for communication, learning, research and entertainment. The key to balance is for parents to help their children develop healthy screen-based habits, while also ensuring that they are engaging in real-world interaction, physical activity and adequate rest. Families can develop a better relationship with technology by setting boundaries and encouraging mindful screen usage.
