The Secret Weapon Parents Are Using to Win the Screen Time Battle

By Familyguide Contributor

The growing dependence of children on smartphones is increasingly impacting their wellbeing, prompting parents to seek ways to curb their offspring’s screen time.

A recent study by the American Psychological Association examined the consequences of cellphone and social media usage on youngsters. The findings highlighted issues such as “heightened sensitivity to social cues,” impaired relationship-building abilities, “underdeveloped self-control,” and disrupted sleep patterns.

The APA noted, “As of early 2024, minimal meaningful modifications to social media platforms had been implemented by the industry, and no federal regulations had been adopted. There remains an urgent need for social media companies to make fundamental alterations to their platforms.”

These concerns are further amplified by a University of California-San Francisco study, which revealed that “12- to 13-year-old children in the U.S. doubled their non-academic screen time to 7.7 hours daily in May 2020, up from 3.8 hours pre-pandemic.”

Dr. John Piancentini, a psychologist and UCLA Health professor, stated, “Constant phone use by children doesn’t foster their ability to create, comprehend, and generate thoughts and ideas.”

Various organizations, including EdSource, are offering guidance to parents concerned about their children’s phone usage.

They suggest implementing a “family media plan” outlining appropriate times for phone use. “Establish screen-free periods before bedtime to ensure adequate sleep,” EdSource advised. “Designate meal times and social gatherings as screen-free to encourage conversation and social interaction.”

Additional recommendations include having regular discussions with children about screen use and collaborating with other parents to establish consistent rules. EdSource emphasized that “parents should follow the family media plan and exemplify responsible cellphone habits.”

Familyguide previously shared strategies for parents to reduce their children’s screen time:

As research continues to uncover the detrimental effects of excessive screen time on children, many parents are exploring ways to limit their kids’ technology use.

“Children and adolescents with higher screen media usage demonstrated lower psychological well-being compared to low users. Heavy users of screens were notably more likely to exhibit poor emotional regulation (difficulty staying calm, excessive arguing, challenging to get along with), inability to complete tasks, reduced curiosity, and struggles in forming friendships,” according to a study by the National Library of Medicine.

To help mitigate these negative impacts, Momtastic recommends the following tips:

• Establish Screen Time Limits: Set clear, consistent limits for various screen activities, including TV, video games, and social media. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises no more than one hour of quality screen time daily for children aged 2-5, and no screen time for those under 18 months.

• Implement Screen-Free Zones: Designate specific areas in your home, such as dining rooms or bedrooms, as screen-free. This helps prevent screens from interfering with family time and sleep.

• Lead by Example: Children often mimic adult behavior. To encourage reduced screen time, model positive behavior by limiting your own screen use and engaging in non-screen activities.

• Offer Alternative Activities: Encourage participation in other activities like reading, outdoor play, arts and crafts, or board games. Ensure these options are easily accessible and appealing.

• Schedule Screen Time: Rather than allowing unrestricted access, incorporate screen time into your child’s daily routine. Allocate specific periods for screen use, such as after homework or chores are completed.