Managing screen time 

Are you tired of feeling guilty for letting your kid play with an iPad or watch a show on Netflix? Perhaps you’re worried about the impact screen time has on them.

“Most of us spent our childhoods unplugged and staring at the sky, not a screen,” says Dr Kristy Goodwin, a digital wellbeing expert. “So our natural tendency is to worry about a childhood filled with screen time, because it’s very different to the childhood we experienced. We assume that because it’s different, it must be ‘bad’ for them. That’s simply not the case.”

As with most things in life, it’s difficult to give a blanket statement and declare something “good” or “bad”. Screen time for kids is no different, although most media reports tend to say otherwise.

“We’re bombarded by news reports and headlines that claim screen time is toxic and harmful for kids,” says Dr Goodwin. “As a researcher in this field, I want to assure you that this is not what the neuroscience tells us at this point in time. These headlines are inflammatory and incite parental panic. Sadly, studies showing the positive impact of technology and its effect on kids and teens is often overlooked by the media and doesn’t make for good clickbait. So it’s little wonder that mums are left riddled with techno-guilt.”

Of course, that doesn’t mean children should be allowed unlimited access to screen time. Physical activity and real, in-person interaction are still highly beneficial for children and should be prioritised. What this simply means is that rather than feeling guilty and obsessing about the “damage” we are causing our kids by handing over the device, we should focus on helping them develop healthy technology habits.

Here are 7 things to keep in mind:

1. Consider the quality of the content they are consuming, over the quantity of their screen time.
2. While not obsessing over quantity, they should still avoid excessive screen time. How much is excessive? When it impacts on their sleep, physical movement levels, language and social skills, as well as their fine and gross motor skills.
3. Model and offer something better.
4. Establish rules and boundaries.
5. Identify no-go tech zones.
6. Watch out for eye strain.
7. Provide age-appropriate access.