Screen Time for Children and Teens: Actually Realistic Tips for Summer and Beyond
The Catch-22 of Screen time and Social Media
As technology continues to evolve, screen time and social media use in children and teens remains a hot topic.
Parents often seek out guidance online or from professionals, but already anticipate challenges with implementing any sort of rigid rules. It can feel like the proverbial being caught between a rock and a hard place.
Why is screen time in childhood and adolescence so complicated?
On the one hand, parents are concerned about the risks to development and emotional well-being with screen time and social media use. On the other hand, limiting devices and connection can result in blowback or isolation.
You have probably already searched for answers, and either anticipated that each suggestion would not work for you and your family, or found that out the hard way.
A more personalized, realistic approach
Reassuringly, the American Academy of Pediatrics actually recommends a more personalized approach that also takes into account the whole family.
Yes, the title of this post is misleading. It should really be re-titled “Family Screen Time” - you’re on board too.
3 Simple Steps to Follow:
Sit down alone, or with a parenting partner: Consider what important activities you want for your family, and each member individually.
It may be helpful to consider a shorter period of time (e.g. the summer), instead of a longer period of time (e.g. all of high school).
Some examples: Daily exercise, full night’s sleep, family meals, “unplugged” downtime, extra curricular activities, homework, and social connection.
Conduct an honest assessment: As yourself, how is screen time or social media supporting these activities, and when does it displace them? This counts for you too!
Open up a family conversation about a balanced plan. Again, it may be helpful to consider a shorter time frame, such as a season.
A helpful resource may be: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/fmp/Pages/MediaPlan.aspx
The Family Media Plan offers a template for personalizing priorities, media use, communication about media, and digital safety practices, for each family member.
Frame the conversation in terms of balancing everyone’s multiple interests and the family’s values.
Bonus step: Revisit the plan occasionally (e.g. at the start of each season- such as at the beginning of summer, before the school year starts, during holidays, etc).
When You Need Extra Help
Screen time and social media are being blamed for a lot these days, such as the mental health crisis and rising anxiety, depression, and suicidality. Additionally, sleep, physical activity, and other aspects of health are certainly connected. However, many families struggle to have open and helpful communication about screen time and social media use. A psychologist with expertise and experience in working with children and teens can provide a neutral, objective, and evidence-based perspective and help your family take action in ways that align with your family’s goals and values.
If you’re concerned about screen time and social media for your child, teen, or young adult, or they are struggling with anxiety, depression, sleep, pain, or other concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out for support. You can take the first simple step today of scheduling a free consultation call with Dr. Emily Foxen-Craft, pediatric psychologist, by clicking the Get Started button at the top right of the screen.