Summer Screen Time
Unless your child is on a year-round school schedule, you are probably nearing the end of the school year. Summer vacation can be a time of complete freedom from structured activities, a time to go outside more, play with friends, go on family vacations, and generally just “be kids.” It often is a time of increased screen time for children of all ages, and this can be okay, to a point.
The official recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics is still two hours or less per day of all forms of screen time, including phones, tablets, televisions, computers, and video games. However, with an abundance of free time in the summer, these two hour recommendations are often exceeded greatly. It is important to make sure screen time does not take the place of other activities, such as family time or time with friends. Encourage hobbies, family outings, play dates or other friend activities. Most importantly, make sure screen time does not impinge upon sleep.
All kids are different
Some kids can regulate screen time very well on their own. They can sit down, set a timer for a certain amount of time, and then turn the device off and do something else for a while. Others need some reminders about turning devices off. And still others have to be forced off of screens and into other activities. Because of this, there is not a “one size fits all” approach to managing screen time. If you find that increasing amounts of time on a device is affecting your child’s motivation for other activities, or if you encounter significant battles and tantrums when the time is up, then you may want to set specific guidelines with consequences to monitor screen time exposure. There can be a benefit to making children “earn” screen time through doing chores or spending time in active play.
Monitor the type of screen time exposures
Research into social media and screen time usage across ages has demonstrated that the content significantly shapes whether kids have a positive or negative effect of media use. Be aware of the presence of violence, role-modeling, commercialism, and unrealistic body standards.
Be very aware of social media use in particular. Mental health in preteens and teens can be greatly affected by social media use. Have frequent, open conversations about social media content, what platforms your child is using and what they are seeing on those platforms. Be an active monitor of your child’s online activity.
Make “screen free” areas and times
Parents and children alike can benefit from time away from devices, and having designated times or areas of the home where this is true for everyone can benefit family relationships. Cell phones or tablets should not be present during family mealtime, and turning off the television during meals helps to foster healthy family conversations. Bedrooms should be device-free as well, both for safety concerns in regards to social media applications and for improvement of sleep quality. Avoidance of screens for the last 30-60 minutes of the day can also promote improved sleep habits.
Final thoughts
Summertime should be a chance for families to reset and relax after a busy school year. While moderately increased screen time can be an enjoyable part of summer, it should still be balanced with outside play, time with friends, and family activities. As parents, we should remember to hold ourselves to the same standards, both to promote healthy role-modeling and to foster opportunities to interact with our children.
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