COMPUTERS AND SCREEN TIME
There are so many TV shows, computer games and apps aimed at young children it’s hard to know when it is appropriate to introduce these to your child. Unlike the many benefits we know come with having plenty of active play time, there is no evidence that these screen-based pastimes provide any benefit to children or give them any advantage once they’re at school. National guidelines suggest 2 to 5 year olds should spend no more than one hour per day in front of any screens, this includes watching television, DVDs, using the computer, iPad, smartphone and other electronic games. It is good to have some screen-free days each week as well!SO HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR CHILD'S SCREEN TIME TO A MINIMUM?
Start by setting some family rules around screen time and stick to them. Simple things like turning off any screens when not in use and no screens at dinner time can be effective. Setting time limits, in a way that is easily understood by your child, is also a good strategy. Try limiting their TV time to only watching one show at a time and then switching the TV off. You can involve them in deciding what show they will watch as a good way to start building their decision making skills and responsibility. Similarly for the computer or iPad/iPhone you can let them help you set a timer to go off after a particular amount of time (e.g. 15 minutes) to signal that their time is up.Try not to use television and computer time as a reward or a punishment. Allowing your toddler to watch TV only after doing something good will make TV far too appealing, and forbidding your child from watching TV after doing something bad will only make them want it more!
WHAT ARE SOME ALTERNATIVES?
- Board games aimed at younger children are a great alternative to computer games. They teach children to play cooperatively with others and the small pieces help to develop their fine motor skills (those smaller, more precise hand and finger movements). If you need some time to get things done, try puzzles instead, talking books, or other games your child can play solo.
- When out and about, it may seem like an easy option to hand your child your smart phone or tablet to play with. Remember, this screen time contributes to that daily recommendation. Try to keep their favourite picture books, toys or colouring books handy when out of the house.
SOME TIPS FOR WHEN YOU DO ALLOW YOUR CHILD SOME SCREEN TIME
- Place TVs and computers in an open location so you can monitor what your child is watching and when. This means no TVs in the children’s bedroom.
- Do not leave the TV turned on in a room where the children are playing or eating and turn computer screens off when not in use so your child isn’t tempted back to the computer.
- Watch TV with them so you can talk about the program with your child. This is a great way to improve your child’s ability to tell stories and develop conversational skills.
- Explain things they do not understand or have not been exposed to before, such as how cartoon characters can do things people cannot, as well as the difference between programs and commercials.
- Choose quality programs and games that contain appropriate subject matter geared toward the age of your child. Consider age appropriate DVD’s – they have no advertising!
- Limit the number of games or apps you download for your child on your phone or tablet. This will help when you set time limits as your child won’t complain they’ve not played them all yet!
- Encourage your child to get up and dance with songs or music on the TV and join in with any actions.
- Make the transition away from the TV or computer easier by having an activity ready for after the show is done.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Once you begin allowing your child to watch TV or play computer games it will become a very appealing activity. This means a struggle for you to keep limits in place. The more consistent you are with your ‘rules’ the easier it will be in the long run so hang in there!Children are fast, curious learners. They pick up computer use very quickly so not exposing them now will not disadvantage them later when they are at school.
Remember, screen time takes time away from your child’s free play which is the main way they learn. Limiting screen time means increasing your child’s exploration and learning time!
