10 Effective Ways To Manage Your Kids Screen Time

One of the biggest problems that parents of our generation face is kids' screen time. Parents say their little children won't eat without their mobile phones, and children are the first who take their smartphones and go to the YouTube app right after coming back home from school. Excessive screen time is a major issue for parents nowadays. However, limiting screen time for kids is essential to ensure they engage in physical activities. Struggling to find a solution to this concern?

Let us explain how you can reduce screen time for your kids.

How Much Screen Time Is Too Much Screen Time

You might be thinking, we all used to watch TV as kids. But we never heard of the issue of excessive screen time. Why is this an issue in modern times?

Well, watching TV or even using a mobile phone is not the problem. The problem is the limitless access to screens. Letting your child watch cartoons or rhymes is good for their development, but when they become dependent on the screens, it becomes a problem.

So, how much screen time is too much?

When you see physical impacts of screen time, like headaches, trouble sleeping, dry eyes, poor posture, etc., it is a sign of excessive screen time. So, how much screen time for children should you allow? Let’s discuss that in detail.

How Much Screen Time is Healthy: Time Recommendation By Age

In today’s digital world, screens are everywhere — from TVs and tablets to smartphones and laptops. While technology can be educational and fun, too much screen time can affect a child’s development, sleep, and overall well-being. That’s why it’s important to set healthy limits based on your child’s age and needs.

Here’s a quick look at the recommended screen time for kids based on age groups:

Children under 2:

Do not allow any screen time for kids below the age of 2 years. Their eyesight is still developing, and screen time can impact their vision. The only exception you can make is for video calls with family members, but that should also be from a distance. Any screen time beyond video chatting is too much.

Kids (2–5 years):

Over 1 hour a day of recreational screen use is fine for toddlers and preschoolers. Ensure that you are strict with the screen time for children at this age.

School-aged kids (6–12 years):

School-going kids often have online classes, which expose them to screens more often. They can have more than 2 hours of screen time daily, but if they use screens for study, ensure that you encourage them to play outside instead of using screens for recreation.

Teens (13–18 years):

For teenagers, over 2–3 hours of screen time per day is fine. This 2–3 hours of screen time does not include any essential screen time like doing a project on the laptop or researching for their assignments.

With Christmas coming, if you want to be a secret santa for your little one, then we recommend you go through our collection of Secret Santa Gifts, which features some really cool stuff for kids of all ages. 

Tips To Manage Your Kids Screen Time

If you are wondering how to reduce screen time for kids, we have some tips for you. Use these tips and tricks to minimise screen time for children:

1. Preach What You Teach

If you feel like your child uses excessive screen time for his/her entertainment, there are several steps that you can take to reduce their screen time. But the first step is to limit your screen time. Lead by example! If you are constantly on your phone, your child will grow up thinking that this is ideal. So, reduce your screen time, especially when you are in front of the baby.

2. Start Teaching Pros & Cons At A Young Age

Don’t command your kids not to use smartphones or TV, as this will make it the forbidden fruit, and they will want it more. Instead, sit with them and explain to them how healthy screen time habits can help them. Teach them and let them make an informed decision themselves.

3. Schedule Screen Time

Have specific time delegated to screen time control for kids. During this time, they can watch their favourite cartoons or use social media, whatever they want. Teach them to be disciplined about the screen time.

4. Introduce Them To Pretend-Play Educational Toys

Pretend play toys can be a great replacement for screen time. Kids like screen time because it introduces them to a whole new world. You can replicate this effect through pretend play. Games like Carpenter Play Set or Doctor Set pretend-play set stimulate their imagination and creativity. These games are very helpful in limiting screen time for kids.

5. Opt For Parental Screen Time Controls

If your child is of school-going age or teenager, it is best to put screen time controls on their phones. This makes them disciplined and careful of their mobile usage. Plus, you would have supervision on how they are using their screen time.

To put parental screen time controls in Android, follow these steps:

• Install ‘Google Family Link’ on both your and your child’s phone.

• Link the child’s phone to your account by following the app setup instructions.

• Use the app to set daily screen time limits and bedtime schedules.

• You can even block specific apps from their phones.

6. Have Regular Conversations

Talk to your child regularly, not just about their screen time but also about general stuff. Kids try to find connection and emotional support online if they don’t get it at home. So make sure you spend quality time with your kids.

You can also have a specific time slot for the ‘family time’ where you both keep your phones away.

7. Reduce Screen Time Gradually

If your child is already addicted to excessive screen time, you might need to put a little extra effort. Start reducing their screen time slowly and gradually and bring it to the recommended screen time for their age.

8. Encourage Them To Play Outdoors

If you want to limit screen time for kids, you have to give them something else to do, right? You cannot expect them to sit at home and do nothing! One of the biggest problems nowadays is that parents don’t encourage their kids to play outside.

Buy some active play toys like a basketball set or foldable slides. This is also good for their physical development.

You can also buy toy cars for kids, like metal toy cars for your little ones.

9. Be Accountable

Parents need to take responsibility for their children’s habits. Your baby did not start using a mobile phone on their own; you somewhere initiated this habit as a parent. When you take accountability, you will take active steps to change this habit. Sometimes, this is all you need!

10. Say No To Screen Time Before Bed

How to reduce screen time for kids before bed? Screen time before bed can delay the release of the sleep hormone. Due to this, kids do not get proper sleep and rest, which also hampers their development. Make a strict rule against screen time before bed, and make sure you follow it, too.

Practical Tips on Limiting Screen Time

If you are searching for a way to cut down screen time for kids, these simple suggestions can be helpful in establishing limits and making new habits.

1. Set Clear Daily Limits

Start by establishing a set amount of kids' screen time each day. Without a doubt, children are fond of routine and find it comforting. Hence it is important to keep the pattern of behaviours upon which they rely consistently. This is key to learning how much screen time is healthy.

2. Create Screen-Free Zones & Times

The creation of screen-free zones, such as meals, bedrooms, and car rides, will help your child to be more focused on family and the place they happen to be at the moment.

3. Offer Fun Alternatives

Are you looking for alternatives that help with limiting screen time for kids? You may give them the chance to use other entertainment stuff such as board games, sculpting, or easy house chores that can feel enjoyable when you do them right. You can also introduce indoor games and outdoor games or creative toys for kids that keep them engaged away from screens.

4. Use Screen Time as a Reward or Routine Part

Ensure that your child's use of the screen is productive and meaningful. You can also reward them for finishing homework or helping with house chores. This allows your child to understand the balance and value of their screen time, teaching them how to limit screen time effectively.

5. Use Parental Controls Wisely

To control screen time for kids and filter out inappropriate content, you can make sure that you set up efficient parental controls.

6. Teach Mindful Tech Use

Encourage your child to be thoughtful about their healthy screen time, focusing on educational apps and content that help them learn new skills. And when it’s time for a break, you can even introduce fun party games for kids that bring the whole family together.

Conclusion

As parents, it is crucial to understand the effects of excessive screen time on kids. Screen time for kids not only affects their physical health but also hampers their brain development. To limit screen time for your kids, focus on giving them engaging and fun toys that distract them from the screen. Buy fun indoor games that you can play together. Moreover, spend time with your kids and build a real connection with them.

If you are looking for some exciting toys for your kids, you can check out Snooplay – a one-stop destination for kids' toys online. We have multiple categories of toys, including action figures, building blocks, learning toys, walkers, card & board games, STEM toys and much more. You can check out Snooplay for some fantastic Christmas gifts for kids or even explore our picks for the best toys for kids.

Not just for kids, we also have some amazing toys for adults, including card games, party games, and more. Looking for budget-friendly options? Don’t miss our fun collection of gifts under 300 that make perfect surprises without breaking the bank.

Also Read Our Blog On - Mathematical puzzles

FAQ's:

1. How do I manage my child’s screen time?

Try to make a schedule and allot a specific time for using smartphones or TV. You should also encourage them to go outside and play with engaging toys. This way, you can manage screen time for children.

2. What is a healthy screen time for a child?

Depending on their age, 2-3 hours is the recommended screen time for kids. If your child is below 2 years, they should not get any screen time. After the age of 2, they can get 1-2 hours of screen time.

3. What are the 5 negative effects of screen time?

There are several negative effects of screen time for kids, like poor vision, headaches, troubled sleep, dry eyes, and poor posture.  

4. How does screen time affect kids?

Excessive screen time can be very harmful for kids, which can hamper their physical and mental development. When kids spend too much time on the screen, they do not get enough physical activity, get poor posture, poor eyesight, and headaches. They also face issues concentrating, have shorter attention spans, and get mood swings.

5. How much screen time is appropriate for children?

For kids in the 2-5 year age group, 1 hour of screen time is the perfect recommendation, followed by 2 hours per day for a little bit older group.

6. What are the effects of too much screen time on kids?

Spending too much time in front of a screen can be the cause of several health problems, such as bad posture, difficulty sleeping, and slow brain growth.

7. How can I manage my child’s screen time effectively?

Set daily limits and use parental controls to keep an eye on their screen time. Encouraging outdoor activities is a proven method when exploring how to reduce screen time for kids

8. Are all types of screen time harmful to children?

Not all educational content is good unless you mix it with some physical activities. Parents should look for how to reduce screen time on the phone to improve their and kids mental well-being.

9. What’s a good screen time routine for school-age kids?

Try to keep screen time for fun to about 2 hours. Don't forget to take breaks and spend some time outside!