No doubt about it, technology is here to stay and it would be impossible for our children not to access it. With this in mind, how do we model good screen time habits and balance with our children and inadvertently ourselves? 

Keep reading for five tips on raising kids in this digital age!

1. Time Limits

 This is going to be different for every family and even every child (especially dependent on their age)! Life happens and some days kids, and us adults, have more screen time. The important thing is to set boundaries and try to keep screen time to some kind of limit for your family. Common Sense Media has a great article with suggestions on time limits, especially for younger kids.

 “The AAP's guidelines allow for some screen time for children younger than 2. For this age group, parental involvement is essential. They recommend the following for parents and caregivers:

• Under 18 months: Avoid screen time other than video-chatting.

• Age 18–24 months: Find high-quality programming (if you choose to introduce screen time), and watch or play together.

• Age 2–5: Limit screen use to one hour per day of high-quality programs.”

This is just a guide and may not be right for your family but it sets some great time limit goals to try and keep.

As your kids get older, discuss with them why you have limits on screen time and you can even create boundaries/time limits together. Be ready to continue discussing this subject again and again as your kids' use of technology increases as they become older and as technology constantly changes. You may need to revise your definition of acceptable and unacceptable tech use on a frequent basis. 

2. Screen Free Zones

Along with time limits it is a great idea to create some screen free zones in your families life! Keeping screens out in the open, for instance, having the dining room and bedrooms off-limits to mobile devices, computers, and televisions can be a great way to keep bedtimes and mealtimes screen free. Try to remember to turn off any televisions you aren't using; background television can interfere with quality time spent with children. These changes can promote improved sleep, healthier diets, and more family time together! 

Along with screen free zones you can also set screen free times during the day such as two hours before bedtime,when your kids first get home from school, meal times, and/or other times that work best for your family.

Create some screen free zones and times that work for your family so that you can spend more intentional time together!

3. Technology Together 

It is so easy to use technology as a kind of “babysitter”, and we have definitely all done this at times. But, we want to encourage you to instead try to use it as a way to connect with your child. 

Screen time doesn’t always have to be alone time. When your kids use screens, co-watch, co-play, and co-engage with them—this promotes learning, relationship, and connection. Playing or watching with your kids helps you bond together through your interactions and shared experiences as well as gives you the opportunity to vet the content they are using. 

4. Types of Screen Time 

There are many different types of screen time and not all screen use is the same! 

This article Parents Guide to Tech for Tots discusses the difference between Active versus Passive screen time 

“Passive screen time: Watching screens with minimal cognitive engagement. Examples: TV or online videos, scrolling through social media or photos, and playing simple games.

Active screen time: Active screen time is when you are interacting with other people or are physically or cognitively engaged. Examples: Video chats, educational games, or games that require players to build something or strategically work together, and using augmented reality or other tools that require physical activity.” 

Because active screen time engages the user's mind and body in useful ways, it is preferred over passive screen time. Just as reading fosters children's imaginations, using technology can also help them develop their communication, creativity, academics, and other skills. 

5. Model It

Modeling good use of technology is the most important way we can help our kids in this digital age! Just as you set screen free zones and time limits for your kids, consider doing some of these for yourself as well. Many of us may work from home but that doesn’t mean we can’t reduce our “relaxing” times on our phones. Consider what your technology use models for your children, they learn from you. Try not to use your phone, tablet, or laptop during your time with your child. This serves as an example for your kids and you will also be more present and connected with them! 

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