How To Reduce Your Child’s Screen Time

In today’s world, it is no secret that people spend a lot of time in front of screens, especially for kids. But, did you know that if your child is between the ages of 8 and 18, they average between 6 to 9 hours in front of screens? This may sound like troubling news to the unaware of you, and it should be. Excessive screen time has been linked to brain development issues, reduced written and verbal skills, poor social acumen, lowered learning capacity, mental health problems, and more. It may seem easier said than done, but below are some measures that are worth trying when it comes to getting your child to put down the devices.

Set limits

This is the most straightforward solution, and you may have already tried it to an extent. The only problem is that easier said than done to micromanage your child at the end of the day. This is why the best solution is to download a screen tracking app that allows you to monitor and control your screen time with ease. Many different variations can restrict your child’s screen time when it is necessary whether it’s at school, at home, or anywhere else. iPhones also now come with options for parents to control their child’s device usage internally as well. 

Promote healthy distractions

Healthy and engaging distractions can make all the difference, as excessive screen time is often the result of boredom and a lack of other things to do. Encourage your child to pick up a real-world hobby such as sports, bike riding, or enjoying the outdoors. If they are too young to go outside by themselves, try to find to take them. If they can’t get outdoors for whatever reason, consider encouraging reading, art projects, or helping around the house. Once they get involved with more productive activities, they might even welcome taking a break from the screen for a change.  Here at Whirlbottle, we’ve designed the world’s first water bottle you can play with, designed to make hydration fun for kids and serve as a welcomed distraction from the screen (click here to learn more).

Do family activities

In a world where human interaction is at an all-time low, which includes between family members, you would be amazed at how fun and stimulating a simple game night can be. Though somewhat of a lost art, weekly game nights have several therapeutic benefits. It improves family bonds, aids stress relief, depression, and anxiety, improves sleep, and boosts feel-good chemicals in the brain. Not only that, but your child will love it. Let them pick the game, and they won’t hesitate to put the devices down.