10 tips to control screen time in kids

Best way to manage screen time

Screens are deeply ingrained in our culture, serving as essential tools for tasks even as simple as making payments. Research suggests that endless scrolling can lead to sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety, and brain fog, particularly in teenagers.

​​Time limit for screen​

As per the Indian Academy of Paediatrics:Children under 2 years should avoid screens except for occasional video calls.Kids aged 2-5 should limit screen time to 1 hour.Older children and teens should balance screen time with other activities for a holistic lifestyle.

​​Inclusivity​

Including children in the decision-making process is not only respectful but is empowering. It encourages them to make their own decisions and be mindful of the choices they make. Involve them and allow them to play an active role in deciding the screen time rules of the household.

​​20 20 20 Technique​

The 20-20-20 rule advises taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes of screen time to focus on something 20 feet away. This relieves eye fatigue, reduces strain on neck & shoulders, and prevents symptoms like brain fog. Additionally, it’s effective to distract children from prolonged screen time.

​​Mindfulness​

Sohini Rohra, Counselling psychologist & Mental health advocate says, “Instil mindfulness in children by encouraging them to ask themselves questions: Am I truly present? Am I focused? Am I doom scrolling? Is screen time replacing playtime? Am I prioritizing screens over socializing? These questions foster healthy decision-making, self-regulation, and accountability.”

​​Minding our own screen time & monitoring schedules​

Our actions speak louder than words. Children observe and imitate our behavior more than they heed our words. Set screen time limits based on a designated schedule.

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​​Screen free zones​

It is very important to have screen-free zones. For eg., the dining table, our bed, the playground etc.

​​Encourage other activities​

Encourage activities like music, art, reading, lego, puzzles, role play and so on. Participating in these activities with our children will surely take their minds off their phones and tablets.

​​Encourage creative and outdoor play​

The new age of technology has taken away the outdoors and made us comfortable with the screen. Spending time outdoors and socialising with people is very healing for both our body and mind.

​​Family support​

Group rules that apply to all family members make breaching the rules a non-negotiable for children and the family bonds stronger. The family is forced to have conversations, bonding and doing group activities for entertainment.

​​Little steps towards larger goals​

Sometimes, abrupt changes can do more harm than good. Start with small steps like limiting screen time to one hour after waking up or reducing one extra hour each week for lasting effects.

​​Consistency​

Starting a new habit may be simple, but maintaining consistency can be tough. We must support each other until it becomes ingrained. Change may bring conflicts; we must navigate them, staying committed to consistency for a healthier future.

Thanks For Reading!

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