Written by Angela Houchin, MDKentucky University
Although summer has arrived, many children’s delight about not having to go to school has already been dampened by boredom, their worst enemy.
Traditional summertime activities like camping, vacations, and family visits don’t take up all of the time; instead, youngsters are using their phones, tablets, TVs, and gaming consoles to pass the time. Although screens are a necessary part of daily life and can aid in children’s learning, socialization, and enjoyment, excessive screen usage can cause behavioral difficulties, sleep disturbances, and exposure to unsuitable content.
Every family is unique, even though the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers guidelines for how families might adopt a deliberate, well-rounded approach to screen use. Create a media strategy that works for your family by using the advice below.
One factor is age. Establish regular boundaries for older children to make sure that screen time doesn’t take the place of sleep, physical activity, or face-to-face communication. Limit screen time for children under five to around one hour of high-quality, developmentally appropriate material, and always watch it with them. For infants, stay away from screens completely, with the exception of the occasional video conference with friends and relatives.
Think about the content. All media are not created equal. Children can learn and develop with the aid of imaginative games and educational content. However, apps featuring advertisements and in-app purchases, as well as shows that are fast-paced or violent, might not be good for you. Select top-notch material that is appropriate for your child’s age and fosters creativity or learning.
Turn it into a family event. Parents should set a good example for their children by modeling their conduct and routines. They will be if you spend hours on your phone every day. Discuss with your child what they’re watching or playing and attempt to figure out how to make it into a practical activity. Set aside a specific time of day to avoid using screens, or have a family movie night in place of individual screen time.
Engage in dialogue. Make use of screen time to connect and teach. Pose queries such as, “Do you believe that could occur in real life?” or How would you respond in that circumstance? Children learn about and develop into intelligent, considerate media consumers when they co-view and discuss what they observed.
Allow them to be bored. Allowing children to be bored is a good thing. When they’re bored, they get creative and come up with new methods to pass the time. This encourages self-reliance, problem-solving abilities, and the chance to find new passions. While playing computer games may be a temporary fix, denying them the opportunity to feel bored may hinder their ability to develop the critical skill of time management.
Families can maximize summer downtime by fostering healthy screen habits and promoting a balance between digital and offline experiences. Kids can develop lasting skills and perhaps even create some treasured summertime memories with a little preparation, lots of conversation, and creativity.
Pediatrician Angela Houchin, M.D., practices at Kentucky Children’s Hospital.