A Parent's Guide to Demystifying Screen Time

A Parent's Guide to Demystifying Screen Time

Screens are a constant part of daily life and it’s important to set guidelines to keep screen time at healthy levels. But how do we know how much time spent on smart phones, tablets, or other screens is too much?

What's Considered Screen Time?

Screen time is any activity that involves a digital device with a screen, including but not limited to smartphones, tablets, computers, TV and video games.

In this guide, you'll learn the importance of balancing your family's screen time use and discover some helpful tips for you to easily put in place at home.

How to Balance Screen Time for Your Family

1. Create a Family Media Contract
   By using a Family Media Contract, you can set clear rules for your family’s screen time use and teach your kids digital responsibility and accountability.
    
2. Designate Media-Free Family Time
   Unplugging as a family can help strengthen your communication and keep you in tune with what’s going on in your children’s lives.
    
3. Identify Screen-Free Zones
   For example, designate the dining room, bathrooms, and bedrooms as rooms in the home where media is not permitted.
    
4. Create a Screen Time Reward System
   Institute a system in which screen time is earned by requiring 30 minutes of reading or an unplugged family activity in exchange for 30 minutes of screen time.
    
5. Be Consistent
   Depending on the age of your child, set an appropriate time limit and content filter on the material your child is viewing.
    
6. Communicate Freely
   Communication is essential for establishing and maintaining a healthy relationship with your child regarding any topic, including technology.
    
7. Learn Together
   We encourage you to join forces with your child and learn together to discover which apps are safe for kids, fun to play or helpful to use as a family.