As I read the study, I found that kids and young adults play games or hover on social media, on average, 6 hours a day. While this is definitely not the norm for everyone, this is a bit horrifying. But, before I made any further conclusions, I went back to see how much television children and young adults watched twenty to thirty years ago. Apparently, students watched around two to three hours of television in the 1980s and 1990s. Interestingly enough, that trend is going down while the screen time for Youtube is increasing. Overall, screen time is increasing. While some would consider this a complete waste of time, others see it as skill development. We can look at the time spent with varying opinions but how are we handling what we know?
So, what exactly do we do with all of this information? Consider quality! What are students doing on their devices? What are you doing on your devices? How do we make screen time count?
1. Think all or nothing! If you state that a child will only intake 2 hours of screen time a day, this should include Smartphones, Tablets, Computers and Television.
2. Create a tech zone in the house where technology and screen time are allowed. ("8 Rules For Family Screen Time") This could be the kitchen table where a timer can be set and children can be monitored. Keep the screen time out of the bedroom to ensure quality sleep.
3. Treat technology and television as an educational tool. Seek learning opportunities to make quality screen time. There is no harm in allowing your children to watch a DIY video with you and help alongside as you make the repair. You are teaching your child to be resourceful!
4. Face time is as important as screen time. Eye Contact should never be iContact. ("8 Rules For Family Screen Time") I've held conversations with individuals and at times have become completely lost because I stopped making eye contact to look at my phone. Make structured time for both! They matter!
5. Utilize Social Media with the idea that it is in your home. You would not want strangers peeking into your windows or spying on your children. Nor would you want your children doing the same to someone else. Set rules, boundaries and expectations. Help your children find balance and become upstanding users of technology and social media.
6. Quality! Quality! Quality! You are most likely paying for the device in their hands. You have every right to inspect the content they purchase, view, and manipulate.
A good friend once told me, "In five years from now, you will be exactly like the media you are watching today." Think about what you would your child doing and thinking about in five years because the time to make any changes is now. Be the guide they need. It is better to be proactive now than reactive later.
Make that screen time count!
"8 Rules For Family Screen Time". Parenting. N.p., 2017. Web. 22 Feb. 2017.
"The Ideal Amount Of Time Kids Should Spend Playing Video Games". The Huffington Post. N.p., 2017. Web. 22 Feb. 2017.