We are living in a world of devices, where the goal of parents shouldn’t be to eliminate technology, but rather to guide users towards better overall well-being; and the need to shift away from ‘how much is too much?’ to ‘what is the screen replacing?’. Parents need an undersanding of how and why screens are being used; and the understanding that screentime does not only refer to time spent on the device. Screentime encompasses passive consumption (scrolling), active creation, educational engagement, and social connection. It is especially worthwhile to note the latest research from The Times that “YouTube videos are more likely to trigger the flight or fight response in children than traditional television. Traditional television shows for children tend to feature a cut to a new scene every 7-12 seconds. By contrast, YouTube videos can cut to new scenes as fast as every 0.9 seconds.”
Strategies and tools:
1. Track current usage through manual tracking, or digital tools such as Google Family Link and Bark.
2. Establish device-free zones, bearing in mind that the parent is the role model. Some suggestions are to have device-free mealtimes, no phones whilst doing homework, and to have no phones allowed in the bedroom from a certain time.
3. Create a family media plan – if one’s child/ren are involved in making the rules, they will be more likely to follow the rules.
4. Form a narrative – if you as the parent need to use your device in your child/ren’s company, tell them that you’re using the device as a tool for example “I’m checking the weather app to know what to pack for you” or “I’m messaging Grandma about what time to collect you”.
5. Implement techfree times such as Techfree Tuesday or Sunday Sunset.
Top tips:
Rewards of screentime can be given such as playing outside for a certain timeframe, or doing chores. In this manner, parents are seen to be ‘gamifying’ it, ie. making an activity more like a game in order to make it more interesting or enjoyable – “you need to embrace the tecnology in order to control it.” Parents also need to try ensure the content being consumed is enriching and age-appropriate. Compelling alternatives to screentime such as boardgames, arts & crafts, and cooking should also be considered.
Parents can ask their child/ren how their brain feels after screentime – calm or busy; and ask them if screentime was worth it over doing things they love. Screentime users should also be coached for the step after the screentime timer goes off, to make the transition easier.
We need to shift from a monitoring to a mentoring mindframe, and aim for self-regulation where there is a move from ‘I’m turning it off because I have to’, to ‘I’m turning it off because I want to’.
“Have conversations instead of arguments. Aim for connection, not perfection.”
Cannons Creek is fortunate to have staffmembers such as Mrs Spaans (Primary School Counsellor), Mr Levitt (IT Integrator), and Mr Osborn (Digital Literacy & Coding Teacher) who presented this informative and valuable Parent Talk. Read more about Technology at Cannons, here.
