As spring arrives and the warm weather returns, parents may be looking forward to seeing their child or teen start venturing into the outdoors for some sunshine, exercise, and non-screen-based fun. However, many parents are finding it increasingly difficult to mediate how much time their kids spend on their phones, computers, tablets, and gaming consoles. Online devices have become a fixture in the lives of most young people, offering incredible opportunities for communication, learning, connection, and fun. However, excessive screen time have been linked to some less than ideal outcomes, such as behaviour problems, sleep troubles, attention issues, and delayed social development (Mayo Clinic, 2023).
The battles over screen time and what is (or isn’t) appropriate online content can seem relentless and frustrating for everyone involved. So, what are parents and guardians to do when faced with pressure to allow more and more online time and access to the young people in their life?
Issues such as screen time limits, online safety considerations, downloading & purchasing permissions, and social media access are complex and depend on the age and maturity of the child, as well as the goals and values of the family. On the journey to figuring out how to strike the best balance for you and your young person, here are a few important points and tips to consider:
• People under the age of 18 are prohibited from signing contracts in Canada. Your child is using a device connected to a plan you have put your name to; remember that you are responsible for the activity on that device!
• Do your homework! Many popular gaming platforms (ie: Roblox, Fortnite, Among Us) have optional social components. These can be through a written chat box, or through voice chat. If this function is turned on, anyone can contact your child via the game app. Familiarize yourself with how to leverage game settings to create a safer experience for your child.
• Try creating set “screen free” times in your family, such as meal time, an hour before bedtime, or board game nights.
• Encourage children to use screens in a communal area of the home instead of by themselves in their room or basement. Not only will this help you monitor their activity, but will also help maintain connection with family members.
• Don’t wait for something to happen before you have discussions with you child about appropriate internet usage. Have the conversation early and often!
• Be a good role model! Children learn from what they see in their environment. Look at your own use of screens, and see if there are opportunities to model more moderation and balance with other aspects of a full life. Instead of scrolling while you wait for dinner to cook, put on some music and dance. Instead of watching Netflix before bed, pick up a favorite book series you haven’t read in some time. Before turning on the PlayStation, why not try a few rounds of Uno.
You have the power to make screen time and internet usage a safer, more constructive element in your child’s life. If you feel as though you need support with parenting in the digital age, therapists at Synergy Counselling Associates are here to help. We have clinicians ready to support parents to find balance and safety for their children in this online world.