Screentime
March 2, 2023

Manage Screen Time in Families: Tips, Strategies and Resources

Learn how to manage screen time in families effectively with our expert tips and strategies. Discover helpful resources to help you and your family have a healthy digital lifestyle.
Team Opal

Screen time has become an integral part of our daily lives. For parents, caregivers and families, managing screen use can be a challenge. 

But it doesn't have to be overwhelming! Here we'll share some effective strategies for helping you manage screen use in your home so that everyone can enjoy the benefits of technology without straining relationships. 

Ready to get started? Let's dive in!

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Setting Up a Screen Time Routine/Schedule

Are you struggling to set up a screen time routine for your kids?

Do you need ideas for setting daily rules and expectations around screens in the home?

You're not alone! Many parents are having difficulty establishing an effective screen time plan that works. 

But did you know there can be great benefit from having a consistent, well thought out routine when it comes to screens? 

Yes, it's true! A good schedule can help with structure, self-discipline and even emotional wellbeing. 

So how do you go about creating one? Here are some helpful tips:

Age Appropriate Guidelines for Screen Use

Do you ever wonder what your kids should be accessing online based on their age? 

It's a tricky question and parents are often unsure of where to draw the line. 

The good news is that there are age-appropriate guidelines out there to help guide you through this process. 

These guidelines can give you an idea of the type of technology, content, and apps that should be available for each age group.  

But first, here’s a quick tip: Be sure to monitor your children’s internet use regardless of their age! Ok – let’s get started with the basics. 

For toddlers/preschoolers aged 2-5 years old, it's best to stick with educational games like ABC Mouse or PBS Kids Games which provide supervised access to videos and activities specifically designed for young children.  And remember - no social media at this stage!   

Moving onto elementary school aged kids (6-11 years), they may have some limited access to sites like YouTube Kids which provides curated content appropriate for younger viewers but always make sure someone is watching along with them as guidance when needed.  

Preteens/tweens (12-14) may begin exploring more independent activities such as playing video games or using chat rooms in moderation since they will likely face peer pressure from friends who engage in these activities. 

Lastly, teens (15+) have much more freedom over their own screen time decisions; however, keep in mind that parental guidance is still important even if it looks different than earlier stages due to greater independence levels during this period of life.

Alternatives to Screens

Are you looking for activities to keep kids entertained at home without screens?

Well, don't worry! 

There are plenty of options out there. 

From art projects and outdoor exploration ideas to puzzles and board games - the possibilities are endless. 

And the best part is that these activities don't involve screens but still keep children engaged in creative ways. 

So grab some paper, crayons, scissors, glue sticks and start crafting with your little ones! 

You can make a fort or an obstacle course with household items like chairs and blankets. Or take them outside for some fresh air - explore nature or find bugs in your backyard. 

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Advice from Experts

Are you having trouble finding the right balance between technology and family? It can be difficult to manage tech usage in a house with kids of all ages.

But it's important to set boundaries and expectations for everyone, both adults and children alike. Here are some expert tips on navigating technology with families: 

Establish clear rules about when, where, and how long your family can use devices - this helps create consistency from one day to the next so that everyone knows what is expected of them. 

Make sure that time spent using digital devices doesn’t interfere with other activities like meals or sleep schedules. 

Encourage face-to-face interactions by limiting screen time at home as much as possible - instead of reaching for their phones or tablets when they're bored, suggest alternative activities such as board games or outdoor playtime! 

Additionally, consider designating certain times during which no screens are allowed (e.g., an hour before bedtime). 

Talk openly about online safety - discuss topics like cyberbullying and stranger danger with your children so they understand the potential risks associated with being online. 

Regular conversations ensure that they know what behavior is appropriate while surfing the web; plus these talks may open up conversations about topics like privacy settings and internet security protocols too!

Wrap it up

In conclusion, setting up a screen time routine for your family is an important step for parents to take in order to ensure that their children are using technology safely and responsibly. 

Taking into account age appropriate guidelines as well providing alternatives to screens can help foster healthy habits when it comes to tech usage. 

Lastly, getting advice from experts on navigating technology with families can be helpful in managing family dynamics related to screen use. With these tips in mind, you can create a balanced and positive atmosphere when it comes to incorporating technology into the home environment

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