REDUCING SCREEN TIME
- Start by setting some family rules around screen time and stick to them, e.g., turn off any screens when not in use, no screens at dinner time.
- Set time limits in a way that is easily understood by your child, e.g., try limiting their TV time to only watching one show at a time and then switching the TV off. 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, 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. 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Choose quality programs and games that contain appropriate subject matter geared toward the age of your child.
- 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.
