Many parents worry about the amount of time children spend on a screen but, as with everything in life, it is all about having a good balance. Screen time can offer children opportunities to learn, be creative and develop new skills but too much of it can have a negative effect on their wellbeing.
Internet Matters has lots of really helpful guides and videos to help families set up boundaries to have the right amount of screen time for everyone.
The truth about screen time
- Not all screen time is created equal so it is important to encourage children to have a healthy balance between passive screen time (ie watching YouTube) and interactive screen time (ie creating content or playing games online).
- There is no safe level of screen time but it doesn’t mean that all screen time is harmful. Everyone is different and so it is hard for the experts to give a limit for all children.
- One size does not fit all when it comes to screen time – it’s more about getting it right for your family’s needs.
As there are so many factors, it is important to create your screen time rules together as a family. Talk about what children like to do online and try and ensure that there is a balance of different online activities. You could break it up into smaller chunks of time and plan some off-screen activities in between.
As with everything online, please remind your children that whatever they do or see online, if anything upsets or worries them they can talk to an adult about it and we will all be there to help them.
For more advice, see the webpage and guides created by Internet Matters that give more specific advice depending on the age of your child:
0-5 year olds:
- Website: Tips to support 0-5 year olds
- Guide: Screen time advice for 0-5 year olds
5-7 year olds:
- Website: Tips to support 5-7 year olds
- Guide: Screen time advice for 5-7 year olds
7-11 year olds:
I will be sure to try and balance my screen time more 🙂
That’s a really good idea Nina!