Technology And Kids – What To Do This Summer?

1. Physical health issues: Time in front of screens causes eye strain, headaches, neck and back pain and poor posture.
2. Sleep disruption:  Electronic use before bedtime disrupts sleep patterns and lead to over tiredness, irritability and poor academic performance.
3. Mental health issues: Overuse leads to feelings of anxiety, depression, and social isolation. This is especially true if your children are spending less time engaging in physical activities or interacting with others face-to-face.
4. Addiction: Research has shown that excessive electronic use leads to addiction-like behaviors and negative effects on brain development, particularly in young children.

With these negative impacts in mind, it’s important for parents to establish healthy habits and set boundaries around electronics.

Tips for Setting Healthy Habits Around Technology and Kids

• Set clear expectations and limits:
  • Sit down with your child and have a conversation about your expectations and limits for use. Ask your child or teen how much time they think is healthy. Listen to their concerns about setting limits.
  • Explain why it’s important to have boundaries around electronics and what the consequences will be if they are not followed.
  • Agree on specific rules, such as no electronics before a certain time of day, no screens during meal times or family activities, and a maximum amount of time allowed for electronics use each day. In our household I allow certain amount of time based on age, and they could earn more time with extra chores, or even physical activity or time spent outside. It was great motivator and for them to learn how to balance it in their life.
• Create a tech free zone:
  • Designate a specific area in your home as a “tech-free” zone, such as the dinner table or the living room. This will encourage your children to engage in other activities, such as reading or spending time with family instead of constantly being on their devices.
• Encourage physical activity:
  • Encourage your child or teen to engage in physical activities, such as outdoor play or sports, to help the sedentary nature of electronic use.
  • Plan activities that involve physical movement, such as hiking, swimming, or playing at the park. Even taking a break from tech every 30 minutes to get up and move around is healthy.
• Provide alternative activities:
  • Give your children alternative activities to do that don’t involve screens, such as board games, puzzles, arts and crafts or reading. This keeps them occupied and entertained without relying on electronics.
• Model healthy behavior:
  • Children learn by example, so it’s important for you to model healthy electronic use habits. Set an example by limiting your own electronic use and engaging in activities that don’t involve screens.
• Use monitoring tools:
  • There are many monitoring tools available that allow you to keep track of their children’s electronic use, such as time limits, content filters, and app restrictions. Consider using these tools to help enforce your family’s electronic use boundaries.
• Be flexible:
  • While it’s important to set clear boundaries around electronics, its’ also important to be flexible and allow for some exceptions. For example, if your child wants to use electronics to connect with friends or family who live far away, consider allowing this time.

Technology And Kids – What To Do This Summer?

By Lisa Edwards, M. Ed., Parent Coach