Nowadays, it’s common to find children with their faces glued to a screen, whether a phone, tablet, laptop, or gaming device. While gadgets may feel like an enticing solution to keep little ones occupied, they can be detrimental to child growth. Too much screen time can lead to delayed development, sleep and behavioral problems, poor social skills, and a shorter attention span. That is why parents must create a screen-free routine for kids.
How to reduce screen time for children
Creating a screen-free routine for kids may require a lot of energy and attention from parents and other adults around them. That being said, keeping children engaged in different activities throughout the day remains central to ensuring a screen-free lifestyle.
Change their daily routine
If a child remains focused on a phone or another electronic device all day, it may be time to change their routine. Taking the little one to the zoo, museum, amusement park, or a shopping trip is a good place to start. Going cycling around the block is also a great alternative to screen time. If leaving the house is not an option, parents can buy new indoor games for kids. Anything that excites the child and shifts their attention away from their beloved screens should work.
Involve them in daily tasks around the house
Children are like a sponge—they pick up everything around them. That’s why it is important to teach them essential life skills while they are little. For instance, parents can involve their kids while loading and unloading the dishwasher and folding laundry. Allowing them to manage small tasks in the kitchen under supervision is also a great way to keep them occupied. Just getting them an apron will make them feel like they are part of the cooking process.
Plan more activities
One of the best ways to keep children away from screens is by planning activities regularly throughout the day. This hands-on approach could involve playdates with friends, scheduling outdoor time, enrolling them in organized sports (if they are inclined), encouraging them to take on new hobbies, taking up arts and crafts activities, solving puzzles, etc. Screen-free activities also provide an opportunity to improve family bonding as one can involve every member of the household. For older children, the bonding could be over a game of Monopoly or Jenga, while for younger children, families can get competitive over a game of ring toss.
Introduce them to other content
Parents looking to keep their kids engaged indoors could explore alternative forms of content that do not involve looking at a screen. These could include podcasts, audiobooks, and even screen-free audio players that capture children’s attention and allow them to learn at the same time. Many parents recommend podcasts like But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids, The Past and the Curious, Ear Snacks, Wow in the World, This Podcast Has Fleas, and Story Pirates.
Have a dance party
Music is a wonderful way of getting children to leave their screens behind. Parents can put on their favorite song and have a dance party. Singing with kids and allowing them to dance their hearts out will tire them enough for nap time while encouraging them to dive into their creative sides as they break out those moves.
Set up an evening toy box
Parents can create a special toy box that only comes out once daily in the evening. Since the box only comes out for a limited time, the child will enjoy playing with the toys a lot more. They will be entertained without any screens on the horizon.
Create a cozy space for kids to play in
Little kids love playing in specially curated spaces—think blanket forts, tents, etc. Setting up one of these structures around the house for a few days and decorating them with cushions, blankets, and soft toys can keep kids occupied for hours.
Tips to make going screen-free easier for children
While there are strategies to keep children away from gadgets, one should remember a few things when implementing them.
Model ideal behavior
Children are very likely to copy their parent’s behavior. So, those looking to limit their children’s screen time might want to first hold up the mirror and reflect on their own screen usage. If parents adjust their screen time and start reading, doing puzzles, and interacting with others at home, their kids will follow suit.
Keep room for boredom
Little ones must learn how to entertain themselves without screens. By keeping some room for boredom, parents can witness their child’s creativity spring to life. One can offer them some colors and other rough materials and watch them invent their own games to bide time.
Use positive reinforcement
Rewards like stickers and treats are a great way to encourage children to reduce screen time. Parents can use this technique wisely to help children reduce their dependency on screens.
Set screen time limits
It may not be possible to cut screens out from a child’s life entirely. In such cases, setting screen time limits and monitoring the content consumed may be better. For children between the ages of 2 and 5, parents can limit screen usage to one hour per day (but no more than 30 minutes at a time). During this time, one can focus on showing them educational content or playing games that positively affect their development.