MINNEAPOLIS, Minneapolis — We’re a few weeks into the new school year, with it come all the demands on parents to try to oversee homework, after-school activities, healthy sleep patterns, and family meals.
But those ever-present tech devices for both children and parents can interfere with those important aspects of life. Experts say too much screen time is associated with distractibility, anxiety, depression and difficulty sleeping. Not only can the content and the nature of interactive device use have negative effects, but it is primarily a sedentary activity and takes an extraordinary amount of time away from other more useful activities.
“Establish ground rules about how much screen time children are permitted on weekends and on school days, taking into account each child’s age. In fact, set rules for the entire family,” said Developmental psychologist Dr. Marti Erickson, co-host of the weekly podcast Mom Enough.
Experts say as children get older their need to use the internet for homework increases. But students can also use homework as an excuse for why they are online for such long periods of time. Older kids also need and have a right to increasing privacy. However, they still need parental guidance and monitoring to help them learn to make wise choices for themselves.
That's often easier said than done. So, how can parents help their children keep device use in its proper place, especially during the school week? And, what resources will help parents do that? Erickson shares some practical tips on this important topic.
TIPS FOR MANAGING FAMILY DEVICE USE
- KEEP DEVICES IN A CENTRAL SPACE
- SET CLEAR LIMITS ON WHEN & FOR HOW LONG DEVICES MAY BE USED
- USE AVAILABLE TOOLS TO CONTROL KIDS’ INTERNET ACCESS
- MAKE WISE INTERNET USE A 'FAMILY AFFAIR'
- SET A GOOD EXAMPLE