Child development studies have found that heavy daily technology use was associated with an increased risk for mental health problems among children and adolescents. More time spent using digital technologies links to increased symptoms of ADHD and poor behaviour, as well as worse self-regulation.
Evidence also suggests that heavy device use, particularly prior to bedtime, can interfere with sleep quality and quantity. One study found that children who use digital devices at bedtime had significantly worse and less sleep. Lack of sleep causes irritability, increased stress, forgetfulness, and difficulties with learning and low motivation.
Increased screen time connects to reduced fitness levels, obesity and poor social skills.
Like anything, there are positives and negatives with screen time but parents should consider that screen time includes:
- The use of all devices, televisions, iPad, smartphone, laptop, desktop computer and gaming consoles. Most homes have a combination of all of these.
Recommended screen time in Australia is based on ‘The Australian National Physical Activity and Sedentary Guidelines’. The guidelines recommend that children aged 5-17 have a total screen time of less than two hours per day; this includes watching TV.
So where do families start?
Get everyone in your family on the same page about screen usage by setting rules and clear boundaries about screen time. These rules should be based on your child’s age and should clearly lay out:
- Time allowed with screens
- Appropriate times of the day for screen time
- What devices are allowed
- What content is allowed
- Where in the house screen time can take place
- Where screens are stored when not in use
For example;
- You may allow your four-year-old one hour per day watching TV after kindy.
- Your 10 year old may be allowed one hour of TV and one hour of age-appropriate Xbox after school.
Set boundaries including no screen time during meal times, after 7pm, or if there is uncompleted homework to do. Setting a place for screens to be used, such as the lounge room or communal area allows for supervision of online activity.
How do families manage the digital meltdowns?
Creating clear rules around screen time can help reduce misbehaviour, but there may be times when your kids try to push the boundaries or just straight up don’t want to comply with them. The following points are useful in managing ending a child’s screen time.
1. Where you can, give warning that it will be time to turn off the device in five minutes.
2. Get their attention. You may need to pause the TV or device in order to make eye contact and ensure your child is listening.
3. Clearly tell your child what they need to do (i.e. “it’s time to turn off the TV/device now”).
4. If your child ignores you, repeat the instruction.
5. If they continue using screens, implement a discipline technique like time-out and removing the device.
6. For older children and teens, the discipline strategy may involve reducing some of their screen time the next time they are allowed to use it.
If your child is not following your rules, reducing their screen time (5-10 minutes) each session can be effective. When compliance is achieved then restore their screen time back to the agreed amount of time.
Remember to use praise and rewards for responsible use of screen time and for turning devices off as soon as they are asked. This is what will make the good behaviour stick.
