Children of technology

Managing screen time for children

10-year-old Dhruv refuses to eat his lunch without watching Peppa Pig. If his parents say no, he throws his plate and stares angrily.

Many kids today are practically digital natives, comfortable with smartphones from a young age. We hand them these devices to keep them quiet, then get frustrated when they become glued to the screen. So, what's driving this behavior?

Most of us are guilty of scrolling through social media mindlessly. Even at the dining table, the phone becomes as essential as the cutlery. Our children see our habits and mimic them, becoming screen-bound themselves.

But how can we break this cycle and teach both ourselves and our kids healthier tech habits?

1. Have the screen time talk- Let's face it, talking about screen time might not sound exciting. Today's children are practically digital babies, but should we completely eliminate screens? Not necessarily. The key is finding balance. Sit down with your child and create a schedule together. Ask them for their input on how much screen time feels reasonable and how they'd like to spend their time without screens. Write down their ideas – this becomes the foundation of your plan.

2. Create an idea box- Sit with them and come up with ideas to make their time interesting. Let the ideas range from painting to playing. It's okay if they sound messy, write down a reminder to clean up things when they are done playing. Keep writing it in chits and place it in a box. When the child feels bored they can check their idea box and choose an activity.

3. Spark Curiosity- Children are naturally curious and love to explore the world around them. Encourage this by asking questions and prompting them to investigate. Like one of my colleagues who teaches science by encouraging students to question everything, you can ask your child to observe things throughout the day and jot down their observations in a notebook. Then, have a discussion about their findings and use screen time to research their questions further.

4. Share screen time- Instead of banning online games, try playing them with your child. Learn the ropes from them and use playtime as an opportunity to discuss what's happening on-screen. This helps them think critically about their digital experiences and evaluate if their screen time is productive.

5. Give them challenges - What better way to engage a child than to give them a challenge? Channelize their motor skills by creating an obstacle race game or treasure hunt. For a mental workout, introduce them to sudoku or crosswords. Even a simple word game like creating new words from "CONSTANTINOPLE" can keep them entertained.

6. Let them help you- Include your child in your daily activities! While cooking, give them a small task and emphasize its importance. If you're working on your laptop, explain your job in a way that piques their interest. This is a great way to bond and keep them occupied.

Remember, there will be bumps along the road, like tantrums when screen time is limited. Stay calm, have open conversations about their feelings, and remember, you're in this together. Most importantly, model the behavior you expect. If you put your phone down at dinner, they're more likely to follow suit. With patience and consistency, you can create a tech-balanced home that benefits everyone.