Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
SALT LAKE CITY — Last week, the U.S. Surgeon General reiterated screen time guidelines for kids, and though it was a helpful reminder, the truth is that recommendations don't always line up with reality. Especially in a season like summer, where more downtime often equals more screen time. Here are some ways to approach and adjust your family's screen plan for the next few months, provided by Lori Jo Leonard from Screen Smarts.
Manage expectations
Have a summer kick-off meeting to ensure everyone has the right expectations.
Summer bucket list and screen time
Create a summer bucket list for your family with non-tech ideas. These can include family trips, things that your kids want to accomplish over the summer, and fun activities they want to participate in. Next, determine how screen time fits in that plan and make sure your children are participating in that portion of the discussion. Let them articulate how they see screen time fitting into their summer plans.
Protect the non-negotiables
If you can do just one thing, determine and protect your non-negotiables. These can include:
- Sleeping
- Moving your body every day
- Maintaining real-world connections
- Spending time outside
Parents, if a child is asking for more screen time, run down the non-negotiables list. Ask, "have you been outside," or "who have you talked to, or played with today?" A good strategy that goes along with protecting the non-negotiables is "when-then." It's pretty simple. Tell them, "when these things are done, then we can look at screen time."
Create times and places that are screen free
Constantly negotiating screen time can be exhausting for parents. But you can eliminate some of that stress by creating times and places that are always screen free. When a child starts asking for more screen time, look at the clock or remind them what room they're in. If the time and place don't jibe with what's already been determined, the answer is easy.
Not all screen time is equal
There's a difference between doom scrolling alone in your bedroom and playing Mario Kart as a family. Parents, remember that always focusing on the minutes included in screen time may be limiting true family or friendship connections.
Re-evalute
As a parent you are trying to create safe environments and habits for your children, but you also know that sometimes situations change which require adjusted expectations. Re-evaluate your rules from time to time, and ask if they are still working for you. Keep in mind that you're trying to do what's best for your child, and, that you know what's best for your family. Implementing even one of these suggestions is a good start. There are more suggestions in Screen Smart's Tech-Ready Teens training course. Described as a driver's ed approach to learning how to use a smartphone, staying safe online, and learning healthy habits around technology, Tech-Ready Teens is a 90-minute course parents and teens can complete together.
