With easy access to televisions, tablets, and phones both at school and at home, children and teenagers are spending a significant amount of time glued to screens. Whether they are watching videos or chatting with friends, prolonged screen time can be distracting and draining. Fortunately, there are various strategies to manage kids screen time. Here are some helpful suggestions:

🌳 Encourage Outdoor Time 🌳
No matter what time of year it is, there are plenty of outdoor activities to take advantage of in Colorado! From going on a bike ride, skateboarding, visiting a park, playing catch or shooting hoops, these outdoor activities provide exercise and social interaction that screens cannot provide.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Lead By Example 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
If you are always looking at a screen, your kids and teens are going to think that it is acceptable for them to do that as well. Demonstrate the importance of taking breaks from screens by joining your children in stepping away from devices.

🚫 Set Technology-Free Time 🚫
Family meals are easy opportunities to start implementing technology-free time. Designate meal times or mornings and bedtime as screen-free to encourage family interaction without distractions.

🔒 Utilize Parental Controls 🔒
Most devices have the option to set parental controls. Take advantage of control features on devices to set limits on app usage or screen time.

🎲 Provide Tech-Free Alternatives 🎲
Ensure there are entertainment choices that go beyond just screens! Offer activities like board games, reading, or outdoor adventures as entertaining options beyond screens.

While there may be many reasons for children and teens to be absorbed in electronic devices, it is crucial for their health and well-being to take breaks. We hope you implement some of these tips to minimize the amount of screen time in your home.

For further insights, check out our article on “The Impact of Screen Time on Child Development.”