Homeschooling parents already know what powerful learning tools computers and tablets can be. Screens offer families amazing portals for imagination, connection, and wonder, not to mention access to a vast world of curriculum, creative ideas, and support communities for parents!
However, you may have also noticed the gravitational pull that screens have on our children, especially since the pandemic started. The growing concern from parents matches the increasing amount of research raising the alarm about the developmental and safety impacts of screens, social media, and online content.
Last year, Common Sense Media reported that kids between the ages of 5 and 8 years old now spend an average of over 3 hours per day in front of screens. So how do you set boundaries for educational and entertaining screen time? Here are several tips and ideas to help you navigate digital life while keeping screens as the tools they are.
Give Screen Time a Place Not Only a Time Limit
The environment and sense of place have a powerful way of creating associations in the mind, especially the rapidly developing minds of our children. A very practical way to do this in your home is to rethink not just how your family does something (in this case, spending time in front of a screen), but where. While time limits can seem arbitrary to kids, location is more tangible. Could the kitchen table be a no-screen zone? What about bedrooms? Just as important, what are your family’s spaces where you can make screen time intentional and invited? Instead of focusing only on how much screen time kids should have, consider first asking where.
Make a Screen Time Plan as a Family
Being told no is, well, no fun. We all know that. Consider making it a homeschool project with poster paper and markers as you map out a plan to help everyone spend less time with screens and more time playing together. Setting shared goals can be a wonderful way to come together and make a memory while you’re at it.
Be Intentional About the Right Kinds of Screens
Instead of banning screens, consider adopting truly kid-safe devices that are actually designed for kids and, maybe most of all, for parents too. These kinds of simple, safe, limited-functionality devices like kids’ smartwatches can come loaded with essential features like calling, messaging, and GPS tracking, but without open internet or social media. This can be a great and safe option to stay connected with younger kids.
Something like a kid’s smartwatch can be a great cyber seat belt that helps your young ones learn healthy tech habits and keep families connected without introducing all the unintended influences and addictive features that so often come with a smartphone.
The bottom line for healthy screen time is to redirect the screen time focus from simple stimulation to something educational. The subtle message over time is this: Screens are places we go to learn and create, not tune out.
Wherever you and your family land in your approach to screen time, know that half the battle is simply being intentional about the conversation in your home. If you are wondering how to create this balance for your child, visit us at AVOR Educators to learn more about how we can support you and your family during the homeschool transition.