5 Tips for Reducing Screen Time

Technology brings people together in amazing ways, but excessive screen time can cause feelings of isolation. Adults experience these feelings and know the consequences, but children aren’t as attuned to knowing when it’s time to take a step back — especially when that means putting down fun games or apps. See if you and your child can spend quality time together without the use of screens. Here are some of our tips for reducing screen time when your child has all the time in the world.

Lead by Example

Where you go, your child will follow. While it may be difficult to spend time away from your phone, it might just benefit you as much as it helps your child. Along with spending less time on personal devices, be mindful of time spent streaming shows. Don’t default to streaming the same few television shows for mindless entertainment. Think of movies as tools for meaningful family time, not just background noise. Help your child find ways to entertain themselves without screens, like reading or puzzles. If it makes sense for your family, see if you can work screen-free family time into your everyday schedule.

Explore Outdoors

Resisting the temptation of screens can be difficult when they’re everywhere you look. Exploring the great outdoors with your child can be a great way to bond and get away from technology for a day. Try something new like kayaking or tubing, or take a walk together in a nature preserve. If you have a camera, bring it along so you’re not tempted to get lost in your phone when you go to take family photos. Outdoor family adventures can be a great way to bond and to help your child appreciate what the world has to offer.

Get Creative

Getting outdoors can be fun, but in the Florida heat, it simply can’t happen every day for hours at a time. When you’re ready to get out of the heat, find ways to get creative indoors. Crafting, drawing, writing or playing music can all help your child explore their natural talents. Find activities that you and your child can do together. If you’re the more artistic one, your child will admire your creations. If your child turns out to be a better artist, they’ll feel like a prodigy. So, really, it’s a win-win.

Educate Yourself

Depending on your child’s current habits, moving away from screens may prove to be a major lifestyle change. Learn about the developmental effects of excessive screen time, like troubled sleep and obesity. Find out what technology your child uses and how it all works. Take a look at the games they play and which apps and websites they use. Try to look at both the good and bad sides of each type of technology before bringing it up to your child so you can take a fully informed approach.

Talk to Your Child

To get your child on board with a new screen time plan, collaborate with them. Teach your child about the benefits and dangers of using different types of technology. Help your child stay safe when it comes to online interactions. Once you’ve informed your child to the best of your ability, work together to set reasonable time limits, in terms of hours per day and what times all screens should be turned off. See if you can abide by similar rules so your child doesn’t see it as unfair or as a punishment. 

In moderation, technology can help children connect more closely with the world around them than ever before. Our Volusia private schools provide children with a sense of community in a safe, nurturing environment that allows them to explore their faith and talents. With our dedication to academic excellence, we challenge students to become creative, critical, compassionate leaders. To learn more about what makes us different, contact us today.