Between the TV, IPads, X-box, Facebook and mobile phones, children, and teenagers are spending more time than ever with their eyes glued to a screen. It’s highly hypnotising (just watch a 5 year-old boy zone out the second you put a LEGO Batman DVD on the box), and with social media becoming more engaging, can become highly additive to teenagers (Apps like Instagram and Qooh.me, which is a social site popular with teens where people can ask you anonymous questions, like ‘Are you a virgin?’, are is arguably causing more self-esteem issues and angst in developing teens than ever). So, what can you do about it – short of pulling the plug or canning the batteries? Dr Joanne Orlando is a leading researcher providing advice for parents on technology and family life. Here, she discusses whether children can be addicted to technology and below she provides tips for ways to manage children’s on screen time.
Joanna’s Top Tips
- Ensure you spend time as a family enjoying activities that aren’t screen related. Place an emphasis on having fun together in a range of ways.
- Help your child to be mindful of what the ‘flow’ is [watch video] and what it means when they are using a screen.
- Negotiate a time for screen time to start and stop. It’s important to allow a reasonable amount of time. If you only allow ten minutes for them to play their favourite App or game, this will only lead to frustration.
- Take time to share your child’s on-screen activities. This will help to shift it from an isolating activity to an enjoyable time together.
- Regularly introduce your child to new non-technological activities and pastimes. Also take time to share your new interests with them.
Edited By Franki Hobson
