Well, I am going to jump right into this...I am not saying all screen time is bad. I am saying the amount of time your child spends in front of the screen and what they are watching can be bad. We all know this and a lot of times we feel like we do not have any options or any control...but we do. Planning ahead as to what else your child can be doing instead of screen time is necessary. Also, make sure that you and your child are still interacting with each other. Parents and kids go to their own areas, in their homes, while on their devices or games spending no quality time together. Social interaction with family and friends is so very important for your kid's growth and development.
I hear from parents of teenagers who share that they are at a loss as to how to decrease their teenagers' screen time. I understand and I will never say, "Oh that's easy," because it is not easy. But you can do it! First, you need to make sure that you know why you are doing it. Why is it important to you that you decrease your child's screen time? Next, make sure that you are invested in the changes you want. Then, talk with your child, sharing your concerns and discuss how these changes will take place. I am going to strongly encourage you not to make rash quick changes because you are mad, overwhelmed, tired of or just tired. It will not end well.
My last comment on this, now not so short, blog is...The best time to start setting expectations on screen time with your child is sooner rather than later and please be consistent.
"Social media has an increasingly dominant role in our relationships and daily reality—homework, weekend plans, flirting, friendship, our sense of self and belonging—all within a system that is designed to capture and monetize our attention. It’s creating disastrous consequences for our well being, our relationships, democracy, and our ability to solve important problems." https://www.humanetech.com/families-educators
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