Tips to Limit Screen Time and Create Good Digitial Habits in Kids
7 minute read
Hopping on a video chat with grandma…watching a show during snack time…getting lost in family photos or funny cat videos on social media…
All the time your child may spend in front of a screen every day can add up quickly! And while it may be super convenient and easy to turn on a program to entertain your little one… Too much screen time may actually hinder their development.
But how much screen time is too much for your child?
We’ve gathered all the details about how to set healthy screen time habits for your whole family — plus some great alternatives to sitting in front of a screen.
What “Counts” as Screen Time for Children?
Even if they don’t have their own devices like adults, they interact with the screens in your home, at friends houses, even at school.
And when you think about all the times you look at your screen — to check the weather, call your best friend or scroll through photos of your little one when they were a newborn — it’s easy to see how screen time adds up every day. The same goes for our kiddos!
How Does Screen Time Affect a Child’s Development
Young children, especially under the age of 3, are learning so much about themselves and the world around them. Your little one’s brain doubles by the time they reach their first birthday and will be 80% of the size of an adult’s brain by the time they turn three.
New studies show that there may be some structural brain changes associated with young children that have a greater exposure to screen time.
Because whether it’s communication, social skills, fine motor or gross motor skills, children learn new things by interacting with others — watching, listening, and imitating what they do.
And when kids spend too much time engaging with an iPad, smartphone, or the television — even if it’s an educational game or program — this limits the amount of time they have to explore their environment, play with other children, toys, and stretch their imagination.
Possible Negative Effects of Screen Time on Kids’ Development
Yes, there are some amazing educational programs out there that may help teach your child new concepts, show them different types of food, new people, and other parts of the world.
But too much time spent in front of a screen can impact a child’s language development.
Too much screen time can also lead to:
- Sleep problems
- Lower grades in school
- Reading fewer books
- Less time with family and friends
- Not enough outdoor or physical activity
- Weight problems
- Mood problems
- Poor self-image and body image issues
- Fear of missing out
- Less time learning other ways to relax and have fun
This is why it’s so important to take a look at how much screen time your child is exposed to on a regular basis…and create healthy habits that benefit your child’s health, development, and overall well being.
How Much Screen Time is Too Much for Young Children?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children 18 months old or younger, don’t have exposure to screen time other than short video chats with family.
Children 1 ½ to 2 years old should have limited screen time that focuses on educational programs that can be watched and talked about with an adult.
And for children ages 2-5, non-educational screen time should be limited to 1 hour per weekday and 3 hours on the weekend days.
Here is a helpful chart to use as a guide with your little one:
Image from New York Presbyterian | Health Matters |
How to Develop Good Screen Time Habits with Your Kids
You may be totally on board with the idea of limiting your little one’s screen time… But actually putting this idea into action can be a lot more challenging.
Here are some helpful ideas to get you on the right track to limiting your child’s screen time and creating healthy digital habits with your family.
Set Realistic Screen Time Goals With Your Partner
If your child is currently using a screen 2+ hours a day…It may be pretty hard to suddenly cut off their screen time altogether. Create realistic goals that set you and your kiddos up for success.
Maybe that looks like reducing your child’s non-educational screen time by 15 minutes each day. Or having screen time limits during the week, but giving your little one a break on the weekend.
Talk with your partner to make sure you’re on the same page and set goals that work for your whole family.
Focus Your Child’s Screen Time on Educational Activities
Whether it’s an educational program, research for a school project, or writing an email to a penpal… Focusing your child’s screen time on educational activities is a simple way to start limiting the amount of time they use a digital device.
Make a list of activities/games/shows/YouTube channels that are “allowed” during your child’s screen time. This will help set expectations with your child in advance — and hopefully avoid any tantrums or meltdowns when they can’t watch their favorite show!
It may also be helpful to have special times when your child is able to have “free” screen time — like on Saturday mornings from 9-10 a.m.
Limit Your Child’s Exposure to Screens
Another great way to limit your child’s screen time is simply to remove the screens altogether.
It may take a few days to get used to it… But after your kiddos acclimate to the screens being gone, you’ll probably find that you receive fewer requests for screen time. And there will be less temptation for you to use a digital device to entertain your child.
Try to avoid having the TV on at dinner time. Have all family members put their devices away when you’re playing a family game. If you don’t need a TV in the living room — maybe try removing it for a while and pull out a laptop instead to watch a show.
This goes for time away from the house too! Instead of an iPad, bring a game or book for your little one to play with when you go out to eat at a restaurant.
Set a Good Example for Your Kids
Your kids watch what you do and are learning from you! Each day is a new opportunity to make an impact on your child.
Try to resist pulling out your phone on a regular basis while playing with your children. Turn on your favorite Spotify playlist instead of having the TV on in the background. Plan a fun activity for your child to do while you’re prepping dinner, instead of giving them the iPad.
It’s ok if you need to turn on Sesame Street to get a 20 minute break. Be kind and gentle with yourself and try to take small steps toward your screen time goals. Over time, these small actions will snowball into healthy, positive habits for your entire family.
Alternatives to Screen Time for Kids
We know how tempting it is to turn on the TV or give your little one an iPad, just so you can get a few minutes to get things done!
But if you’re trying to limit your child’s screen time — while still gaining a few moments to yourself… Here are a few activities to try at home that will give your child some adult-free independent play.
Open a New Book
If your little one is a visual learner and loves to read — pull out a new book for some independent quiet time! Make your child’s reading time something they look forward to by picking out some exciting new books together — at your child’s favorite bookstore or even the library! There are so many amazing books out there that are interactive, fun, and educational.
Arts and crafts activity
Kids love to experience the world through creative play — including making beautiful works of art! Set your little one up with a fun art activity that they can work on while you get some things done. Surprise them with some new chalk crayons or an activity themed around an upcoming holiday!
Sensory bin
Sensory bins are a great way to entertain your little one for an extended period of time. They’re super easy to create and give your children the ability to use their imagination and explore their senses, including sight, sound, touch, and smell. We have a ton of great toys that make perfect additions to sensory bins!
Toniebox Story
Photo of Toniebox Playtime Puppy Starter Set
If you haven’t heard of the Toniebox yet — this audio player is a game changer! From your favorite childhood books and classic children’s songs, to adventures with Winne the Pooh, Frozen, Paw Patrol, Toy Story, and SO much more… The Toniebox is great for entertaining little listeners through imagination, creativity, and music — no screens needed!
Developmental Toys
Nothing keeps kids focused like a new challenge! Bring out a puzzle, sorting game, stacking blocks, or educational activity that fosters your little one’s development. Check out THIS helpful post with 12 perfect toys for babies under a year old. And for older kiddos, take a peek at the learning and education toys available in the boutique.
Imagination Play
Pretend play is such a wonderful way to engage your little one without a screen. Whether it’s dressing up and pretending to be their favorite character, cooking in their toy kitchen next to you, playing with their favorite baby doll, or embarking on a safari adventure… The opportunities for imaginative play are endless!
Bring Your Little One Along!
Pull up a toddler tower to the kitchen counter and let them cook or bake with you. Give them a small broom or hand-held vacuum so that they can participate in tidying up the house. It may take a little longer than usual, but you’ll get things done while giving your child a huge sense of accomplishment!
If You Liked this Guide to Limiting Screen Time with Kids, You May Enjoy These Posts Too:
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- 6 Simple Summer Art Activities to Delight Your Child for Hours
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