How Can You Set Healthy Screen Time Limits for Your Child?

by Julie Diamond, OCT

This blog will take you about 2 minutes to read.

In today's digital age, screens are an integral part of our lives. From online learning to socializing and entertainment, children are spending more time in front of screens than ever before. While technology offers numerous benefits, excessive screen time can lead to various physical, emotional, and social issues. As parents, it's crucial to set healthy limits on your child's screen time. 

Here are some practical tips to help you navigate this challenge:

Understand the Recommendations

Health Canada and the Canadian Pediatric Society recommend the following screen time guidelines:

- For children aged 0-2 years: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting.

- For children aged 2-5 years: Limit screen time to one hour per day.

- For children aged 5-17 years: Aim for no more than two hours of recreational screen time per day.

Create a Family Media Plan

A family media plan helps establish clear rules and expectations for screen use. 

Here are some key elements to include:

- Set screen-free zones: Designate certain areas of the house, such as the dining room and bedrooms, as screen-free zones.

- Define screen-free times: Establish specific times when screens are not allowed, such as during meals and one hour before bedtime.

- Prioritize physical activity: Ensure your child engages in at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day.

- Encourage face-to-face interactions: Promote real-life social interactions and family time over screen time.

Model Healthy Behavior

Children often mimic their parents' behavior. Demonstrate healthy screen habits by:

- Limiting your own screen time: Be mindful of how much time you spend on your devices.

- Engaging in offline activities: Show enthusiasm for reading, outdoor activities, and other non-screen hobbies.

- Being present: Give your child your full attention during conversations and activities, avoiding distractions from your phone or computer.

Encourage Educational Content

Not all screen time is created equal. As teachers, and online tutors, we are huge advocates of integrating technology into our lessons because it gets children engaged and deepens their understanding of the content by being able to make meaningful connections. 

Encourage your child to engage with educational and age-appropriate content. Look for apps, games, and videos that promote learning and creativity. 

Here are some resources to explore:

- NFB Kids: The National Film Board of Canada offers a wide range of educational films and interactive content for children. My personal favourites are the movies they’ve created based on children’s books. 

- TVOKids: Ontario's public educational media organization provides educational videos, games, and activities for kids. They have episodes of Arthur and Paw Patrol available online. 

Be Consistent and Flexible

Consistency is key to establishing healthy screen habits. However, it's also important to be flexible and understanding. Special occasions, such as family movie nights or educational projects, may require more screen time. Communicate openly with your child about why certain rules are in place and involve them in creating a balanced approach.

Address the Underlying Causes of Excessive Screen Time

Excessive screen time can sometimes be a symptom of other issues, such as boredom, social anxiety, or a lack of engaging activities. 

Address these underlying causes by:

- Provide alternative activities: Encourage hobbies, sports, and creative pursuits that your child enjoys. 

- Support social connections: Facilitate opportunities for your child to interact with peers in person. Check if there are still any openings with summer camps, sports teams or schedule activities with other kids. 

- Ensure emotional well-being: Talk to your child about their feelings to see why they prefer screens to other activities. 

Stay Informed and Adapt

Technology is constantly evolving, and it's important to stay informed about new trends and potential risks. Regularly review and adjust your family's media plan to reflect changes in technology and your child's needs. 

Engage in ongoing conversations with your child about responsible screen use and digital citizenship. Check out these cute videos our teachers have used in schools to teach students about digital citizenship. 

By setting healthy limits on screen time and promoting a balanced lifestyle, you can help your child develop positive habits that will benefit their physical, emotional, and social well-being. The goal is not to eliminate screen time altogether but to ensure it is used in a healthy and productive manner.