If you’re able to pry your teenagers’ fingers off their phones this summer, congratulations. You’re one of the few.
Excessive screen time can harm kids’ cognitive, linguistic and social-emotional growth, according to the National Institutes of Health, even if some technology use can stimulate education and learning.
That makes it important to set boundaries for your kids’ screen time—something you can enforce while they’re at home. Here are some effective ways that include routines, rules and boundaries:
• Make family dinners a requirement as often as possible—and do not allow phone use at the table. Likewise, turn the TV off before everyone sits down to eat.
• Put a limit on the amount of time each of your children may spend on their phones and tablets each day. Most devices include parental controls that can help you regulate and monitor data use. You can also turn off the home internet at certain times of day to discourage the family from connecting.
• Take phones away from children and teens an hour before bedtime. Late-night screen time can make it hard to fall asleep. And having phones available in their rooms could tempt them to stay up late. Similarly, don’t allow TVs in bedrooms.
• Establish a “no phone” time after school, until your kids finish their homework.
• Set a good example by using your own phone as little as possible while your family is together.
• Suggest fun activities that encourage development instead of screen time. Getting outside for play or exercise is always a healthy alternative to screens.
