A child playing a game on a cellphone. Picture: Supplied
In an age where screens are ubiquitous, the challenge of managing screen time is particularly acute for our children and teens.
As digital devices emerge as both a learning tool and a source of entertainment, the importance of fostering healthy habits becomes paramount.
According to Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health, this reality underscores that while technology opens doors for education and connection, managing screen time beyond school hours is essential to building healthy habits, staying focused and preventing mental and physical burnout.
Experts suggest that children aged between 5 to 17 should be limited to screen time of no more than two hours a day, excluding homework.
“Setting clear boundaries can significantly aid in achieving this aim, while also nurturing a balanced lifestyle,” said Hewlett.
As the kids return to school, the expert shares some effective strategies for managing screen time after school.
Encourage physical activity
Prolonged durations spent in front of screens can lead to decreased fitness levels and poor health outcomes.
Encouraging children to engage in physical activities — such as sports, cycling or even simple outdoor play — can counteract the inertia caused by too much screen exposure, promoting better overall health and vitality.
Limit multitasking on screens
While it may seem productive, multitasking on devices can often result in increased levels of stress and decreased focus.
Encouraging students to concentrate on one task at a time, whether they are studying or engaged in online activities, can bolster their productivity and ease the pressures they face during study sessions.
Create a designated study space
Establishing a specific area dedicated to studying can help reinforce a mindset of focus and productivity.
It’s ideal that this space is free from distractions like televisions and mobile phones, allowing students to concentrate better on their schoolwork.
Set screen-free times
Regularly scheduled “screen-free” periods are vital in encouraging genuine interactions and reducing the dependence on digital devices.
Dinnertime serves as an ideal opportunity for families to engage in meaningful conversations, enabling students to disconnect from screens and reconnect with their loved ones.
Make technology a learning tool
Screen time doesn’t have to be synonymous with leisure. It can also harness the potential to transform learning.
Parents can guide children to utilise educational apps and online resources that render challenging subjects engaging and interactive. In this way, screen time becomes a springboard for deeper understanding and academic growth.
Explore offline hobbies
Encouraging children to indulge in offline hobbies — be it reading, playing sports, drawing, or cooking — allows them to disconnect from their screens while reinstating creativity and relaxation.
These activities can serve as a refreshing counterbalance to screen-heavy routines.
Prioritise sleep
Screen time, particularly before bed, can significantly impact sleep quality. The blue light emitted from devices disrupts natural sleep rhythms, making it harder for teens to rest adequately.
It is recommended that screens are powered down at least one hour before bedtime to ensure sufficient sleep — typically ranging from 8 to 10 hours — necessary for optimal academic performance.
Open communication
Establishing an open dialogue about screen time can empower children to develop responsible habits.
When parents share insights regarding the benefits and potential pitfalls of technology use, they foster an environment of trust and understanding, encouraging a balanced approach to screen habits.
In conclusion, as technology becomes an inseparable part of daily life, encouraging balanced screen time habits is essential for our children’s health and well-being.
By instituting clear boundaries, fostering an active lifestyle, and promoting meaningful engagements away from screens, we can help young learners adapt in a way that supports both their educational and overall life experiences.