How Much is 'Too Much' Screen Time?

This is the age old question. How much is too much? American Academy of Pediatrics, the World Health Organization, and the Canadian Pediatric Society have also done their research and provided information on negative impacts of excessive screen time. In my home, we attempt to maintain a healthy school/home life balance and it's important to note that every child and family dynamic is unique, and screen time recommendations may vary based on individual circumstances and parenting styles. If you have even just an inkling of concern, take a look at the impact or potential impact of screen time on your children's behaviors, sleep or responsibilities (chores, school and homework). If your child is struggling to balance screen time with expected responsibilities, it may be time to create some strategies so that doesn't snowball into something much bigger and more challenging to get out of.

Let's take a peek into my living room window. When my husband and I first created a system to use with homework and chores, it went well for a while. Once things became more challenging, I noticed my child using more time on their electronics and not completing homework or cleaning up after themselves. At the time, dropping them off at home and turning right around to get work for the evening, I didn't think too much of it. It wasn't until I received multiple emails from the homeroom teacher informing me that my child had missing and late assignments, resulting in failing grades. The following day, I made sure to take more notice to the impact of screen time on my children. When I returned home from work that night, I stumbled through a messy entry way with shoes and coats sprawled on the floor, then walked into a messy living room where it looked like a bomb had gone off! I noticed toys and art supplies on the table and snack wrappers near the trash can. For a moment, I was annoyed and then I remembered that I needed to take a few deep breaths and 'teach' my children what they need to do, trying to remove any unnecessary barriers that will set my child up for success. As a parent, I felt that it was my responsibility to lead them and show them what needed to be done. It took a while, however, my husband and I were able to create an encouragement system and limit setting strategy that will hopefully create positive change during this last stretch until summer.

This week was a change and of course my children pushed back, however, I needed more structure and provide opportunity for my eldest to self-start and complete their homework right after school. On the weekends, it is a different story and I understand that putting on a movie or giving your kiddo a tablet to play on while you finish up work or making dinner can provide uninterrupted time to be able to complete those tasks! What often happen (for us at least) is that the balance of screen time and electronic use verses personal responsibilities and school work can become off balanced and be used as more of an escape/avoidance of their responsibilities.

Excessive screen time can have a number of negative impact, including these 5:

1. Decreased physical activity and increased sedentary behavior, leading to potential health issues like obesity and poor posture. If they're looking down at a screen, more often than not, that will create posture that will need to be corrected later in life.

2. Impaired sleep quality and quantity, which can lead to fatigue and difficulties with attention and memory. This can impact school and social interactions, leading to increase isolate and more screen use.

3. Decreased face-to-face communication and social skills, which can impact their ability to form and maintain relationships. Making connections and building friendships is vital for a young child.

4. Exposure to inappropriate or harmful content, such as violence, sexual content or cyberbullying. You never know what is being shown to your children while they are on YouTube or other platforms. Make sure you have some parental controls and locks on sites you don't want your children stumbling upon!

5. Increased stress and anxiety, as well as decreased attention span and impulse control.

As a parent, you have choice and more control in how things are being navigated. Make sure to continue talking with your spouse and children about what behaviors are not okay and ideas on ways that they can be successful and build self-esteem. It's important for parents to set limits on screen time and encourage alternative activities, like physical activity, reading, playing games, and spending time outdoors. Limiting screen time for children can help improve their mental and physical health, sleep, and social skills.

Here are 6 ways others parents have found helpful with limiting screen time in their home:

1. Set clear and consistent rules: Establish daily screen time limits and stick to them.

2. Encourage alternative activities: Provide opportunities for physical activity, reading, and imaginative play.

3. Lead by example: Reduce your own screen time and be a positive role model.

4. Make screen time interactive: Encourage children to use screens for interactive activities, such as video calls with friends or playing games together.

5. Use parental controls: Enable parental controls on devices to limit access to inappropriate content and set time limits.

6. Maintain a balanced life: Encourage a well-rounded lifestyle that includes time for school, exercise, sleep, and other activities.

Can this be done? Sure. Will it take consistency and time to adjust. Absolutely! As challenging as it would be, my husband and I needed to communicate more about expectations of our children and of each other. Parenting is a process and make sure that you are making time for self care and use protective factors when you are needing additional support. Create your village! You're gonna need it at one point or another! Reminder that there will be some hiccups along the way that you'll need to provide more boundaries around, to create more healthy patterns and increasing their skills of personal responsibility and resilience.

You got this! I believe in you!