Screen time and device usage have hit an all-time high in just the past decade, especially with the advent of smartphones, handheld tablets, and personal computers. If you’re living in a home where technology is rife, it’s important to set boundaries to limit your family’s screen time for the sake of mental, emotional, and physical clarity. If you’re determined to limit your family’s screen time for their sake, there are a few ways you can go about doing so, whether you’re in a committed marriage and partnership at the time, or if you’re in charge of a household as a single parent.
Choose the Right Environments for Your Children
It is estimated that approximately 55% of parents sending their children to public schools would prefer to send them to a private school if they had the choice. When your child is stimulated by various subjects, topics, and hobbies that are fascinating to them, they’re less likely to find themselves caught up in staring at screens or being addicted to dopamine feedback loops, such as YouTube, TikTok, or other social media platforms today. Providing your children with the right environment can have a significant impact on their relationship with devices and screens.
Inform Drivers in the Home of the Law
Currently, 39 states have laws prohibiting the act of texting while driving, including both Tennessee and Kentucky. If you have teenage drivers in the home, it’s essential to hammer in the laws and rules for when they are on the road. Restrict phone usage while driving to prevent distractions and potential accidents.
Set Boundaries and Limits in the Household
When you’re the head of a household, you’ll also want to take some time to set boundaries and limits in the home, especially when it comes to tech and screen time. Setting boundaries and time limits will also help your children better understand the importance of limiting themselves as they get older. Remain firm when setting limits and boundaries when it comes to screen time.
Spend Time Indulging in Hobbies and The Arts
Art, theater, dance, and even music courses are now offered in 82% of high schools in the United States. If you feel that your children or teens are becoming increasingly dependent on their computers, smartphones, and other screen devices, it may be time to look elsewhere for satisfaction and fulfillment. Research various schools, programs, and courses in your area that are relevant and interesting to your children to find more activities that will keep them entertained and educated without requiring the constant use of a screen.
Offer Positive Encouragement and Reinforcement
As a parent in the home, you’ll also want to be a source of positive encouragement and reinforcement, especially if your child is currently transitioning from using devices frequently and regularly to a more rigid and strict routine. When your child is adjusting to less screen time, they will likely find the process difficult, causing them to feel irritable, anxious, or, in some instances, even depressed, depending on the extent of their screen addiction and age. Identifying pain points and offering both positive reinforcement and encouragement will help make your child much more resilient while also helping them learn more about the benefits of dabbling in new hobbies and activities that will allow them to lead a much more balanced lifestyle.
Limiting your family’s screen time does not have to feel like a punishment, especially because your children and teens in the home have varying hobbies and interests. When your family becomes actively engaged in activities around the home and even outdoors, they’re less likely to feel anxious and irritable when they no longer have access to a nearby screen or device. Taking the time to hone in on your children’s interests, skills, and natural talents can go a long way in helping them live a much more well-rounded and balanced way of life.
