Tablet time: How to set — and keep — healthy screen limits

As technology advances, some amount of screen time is unavoidable. Yes, the internet and other media can be both educational and fun. But kids also need plenty of opportunities to play without structure, using their imaginations to learn and explore the world around them. 

Technology can also come with risks. There are the obvious safety concerns to kids. But too much screen time — or using screens at the wrong time — can also interfere with your child’s wellbeing and development, especially if it’s replacing other healthy habits.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting screen time outside of school or school-related activities to support healthy habits. But every child and family is different and it may not be realistic to eliminate screens altogether. Below are a few simple steps to keep your kids safe and ensure healthy development in our increasingly screen-centric world.

Lead by example

You ultimately set the tone of your home’s culture as a caregiver. Technology is no exception. If you want to teach your kids to have a healthy relationship with screens, model this behavior yourself. For example, try to keep your phone away at meal time. And do your best to maintain boundaries with work (even when it’s tempting to take one more call or answer one more email). 

Vet content

As a parent, it’s your job to keep your child safe, including with technology. Before allowing your child to watch a particular show or movie or play a game, do your research. Make sure it’s appropriate for their age and the subject matter is something you’re comfortable with. Video and computer games can be tough to navigate. Be wary of giving a child their own device, and set appropriate limits when possible. For example, it might not be a good idea to give an elementary schooler unfettered access to the internet, or to allow them to use social media. 

Be compassionate

First, try to understand why kids are drawn to screens. Scrolling through social media or watching a funny video provides an exciting dopamine hit. Also, our culture is increasingly tech-centric, which makes screen time hard to resist. If your child struggles to put the device down or pesters you about having more screen time, respond calmly with the limits you’ve set in place. Similarly, encourage your child to be honest with you about what they see and read online. Respond calmly when they’re honest with you about something inappropriate so they feel comfortable telling you again in the future.

Stop screens an hour before bed

Phones and tablets emit blue light, or short wavelength light. This is known to interfere with our circadian rhythm and make it difficult to fall and stay asleep. Blue light essentially tells the brain it’s time to stay awake. As a rule, end your child’s screen time at least an hour before you start their bedtime routine. If your child has a hard time shutting down their device for the night, it might help to give a few incremental warnings.

Be consistent

Kids thrive on routine and predictability. Do your best to set consistent rules for when your kids can watch TV or play video games. For example, you may allow your child 30 minutes of screen time after dinner on weeknights or one hour each Saturday morning. No matter what you choose, your kids will know what to expect. And if they ask you during no-screen times, you can easily remind them about their next opportunity.

Enforce screen-free times

Screens can become a problem when they interfere with other activities known to support children’s health. Exercise, going outside, playing with friends and getting healthy sleep are vital to a child’s overall health. Try to create dedicated screen-free times in your family routine to make sure your kids have the opportunity to engage in these healthy behaviors.

Rather than simply taking away screens, it can help to provide kids with some structure. Offer choices, like independent reading, working on an art project, playing a family board game, or cooking a healthy meal together. Kids may appreciate having something else to focus on and look forward to. If you’re lucky, they may even forget about that TV show or video game they’re into, even if just for the afternoon.

Matthew Maves, MD Pediatrician Cedarburg Pediatrics

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