HOW AND WHEN TO LIMIT KIDS’ TECH USE

Written by Liza John 

As parents, we always try to do our best to secure our children’s’ well-being and success. Today, the whole world revolves around technology, so that means you must teach your children to use tech in a healthy way and help them be responsible and successful digital citizens. 

While it is true that electronic gadgets do keep your children busy and give you the time to do your work in peace, too much screen time can be detrimental to their health. Setting limits to your kid’s screen time in today’s screen-filled world can seem impossible. 

During the Covid-19 pandemic, smartphones and virtual screens acted as a lifeline to connect us to our loved ones and as a means of keeping ourselves occupied. From schooling to work, everything went online and our dependence on virtual screen surged. According to Bosco, an online and social activity monitoring app, the pandemic has led to nearly a two-fold increase in children’s screen time. 

From babies who are nifty at swiping and tapping on screens to keeping your young children safe from cyberbullying and exploitation, here’s what you need to know when it comes to limiting your children’s screen time. 

Babies (Under 2 Years) 

Your child’s brain grows the fastest during the first three years of their lives. Interacting with the real world with all their senses would be more beneficial to their lingual, emotional, social, and motor development, than using a virtual screen. Your child could be playing with a cat on the screen, but that wouldn’t come close to interacting with a cat in real life.  

Introducing your baby to technology isn’t necessarily a bad idea, but it should only be for a minute percentage of their time, and ideally you should supervise this screen time. 

Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

Keep Screen Time to Bare Minimum

Experts suggest limiting screen usage exclusively for video calling their loved ones. This one-on-one interaction would help them develop their lingual skills even though the interaction is virtual. 

Stay Away from Educational Videos 

You might think it is a good idea to get your baby to watch educational videos. However, such videos that are usually marketed as aiding brain development have been found to do more harm than good. Studies have linked such videos to sleep problems, developmental issues, and speech delays. 

Keep Your Devices Safe

You don’t want your baby to accidentally delete some critical data from your device or do something worse. So, keep your devices locked and turn on parental controls so that your baby doesn’t make in-app purchases or destroy your tech. 

Toddler and Pre-schoolers (2-5 Years) 

At this age, it might be difficult to keep your child away from electronic devices. Try to squeeze out more tech-free time; play, watch and browse together with your child. A vast majority of parents find that there are benefits to their children’s screen usage. While this is true, it would be a better choice to keep tech usage to a small fraction of their learning and recreational activities. 

Use Tech to Bond

Children, at this age, learn to share, help, and do things that are beneficial to others. Technology can help your child achieve these. Play video games with them and show them how a responsible adult plays and uses tech in a healthy way. Similarly, watching movies or cartoons together can help you bond with your children better. 

Set Tech-Free Time and Spaces 

Lay ground rules for tech-free time and spaces, such as no electronic gadgets two hours before bed, or at the dinner table or in the bedroom. Keep TVs and PCs in spaces where you can supervise, even if you are busy with chores. 

Encourage Other Activities.

Persuade your child to get involved in activities that don’t need an electronic screen in front of them, such as board games, sports or reading books. 

Young Children (6-12 Years) 

Young children are likely to use technology on a regular basis. Your children would still be looking up to you for guidance and support, so this would be the right time to reinforce good healthy habits for the appropriate use of tech. 

Dealing with Cyberbullying

Bullying is a serious issue, especially among young children. Your child may not directly talk to you about bullying they face, so be on the lookout for any signs of mental distress and create a safe space where they can open up without having to worry. Teach your child to stand up, not only for themselves, but also if they see someone being bullied.  

Privacy and Security. 

Talk to your child about internet safety early on. Educate them about the dangers of the internet and remind them that what goes online stays there. Ask them to never share their confidential or personally identifiable information online. Consider asking your child for their passwords to their online and social media accounts to keep them safe, until they are mature enough to handle issues on their own.