Screens have become an integral part of our lives. They are everywhere! We carry them in our pockets, on our wrists, at our desks, in our cars, and even in the hands of little kids. It is not surprising that kids’ screen time has dramatically increased over recent years.
Since it concerns kids’ digital well-being, parents actively seek solutions to mitigate the influence of screens on their kids. But what exactly is digital wellness, and why does it matter so much? Let’s find out.
What is Digital Wellness? Why Does It Matter?
In simple words, Digital Wellness means having a healthy and balanced interaction/relationship with technology – no matter the age group of a person.
Technology (itself) cannot be labeled as good or bad because it is a tool, and tools perform according to their intended purpose. While excessive screen time can negatively impact kids’ digital well-being, it can also help them.
For instance, endless or incessant scrolling on social media can be detrimental to kids struggling with low self-esteem. However, joining an online support group can boost their confidence and help them heal.
Parents who wish to mitigate the influence of screen time on their kids’ digital wellness must understand the problems first. Why? Because you can only find viable solutions once you comprehend the issue and where it lies.
Impact of Soaring Screen Time on Kids
Undoubtedly, technology opens new avenues for learning, communication, entertainment, and more. However, it brings a myriad of risks for kids’ online safety and mental health by exposing them to inappropriate content, misinformation, sexual predators, cyberbullying, etc.
Moreover, some kids use technology as an emotional crutch. They see it as an escape from boredom, sadness, or whatever bothers them. In that manner, excessive screen time disrupts daily routine consistently (such as watching screens during mealtimes too).
Kids with too much screen usage also get inadequate sleep, show a lack of interest in physical activities, face a risk of obesity, and the list of problems continues to grow. Kids with soaring screen time face the risk of developing tech addiction too. Do your kids constantly dread their devices getting taken from them? Are they always worried about low battery life? Heed those warnings. It is time to look for effective strategies to help mitigate the negative influences of screens on kids’ digital wellness.
Ways to Mitigate the Influence of Screen Time on Kids’ Digital Wellness
Several strategies promote digital well-being and help reduce screen time. However, a parental control app like FamilyTime is the most effective solution for all parents. It allows parents in more ways than one. You can lessen your kids’ screen usage by creating a screen time routine for them with this app. Are you intrigued? Let’s see how it can help you safeguard your kids’ digital wellness.
- Create a Screen Time Routine
FamilyTime offers numerous impressive features. However, its Screen Time Limit and Screen Time Schedule features can help you reduce your kids’ screen use and create a daily routine for them. It allows parents to restrict kids’ access to their devices at specified times, such as at such as mealtimes, homework hours, bedtime, etc. It enables you to limit kids’ screen usage without any arguments.
- Keep Screens Out of Bedrooms
It is vital to keep screens in a family place, such as the living room, where you can see what your kids are watching or doing online. Not only does it help you monitor their activities, but kids also stay cautious of their behavior.
Parents can also help their kids sleep better by creating a common charging area where everybody puts their devices at night. Putting screens down facilitates a smooth transition into sleep mode.
- Practice Self-Awareness & Lead by Example
For these strategies to work effectively, parents must practice self-awareness and watch their own screen time. Practicing screen limits together as a family will help kids register that too much time on screens isn’t good for anyone. If parents lead by example, it makes a lasting impact on kids’ minds.
- Silent Notifications
Customize the notification settings for your device. Most apps send you unnecessary notifications that disrupt your concentration. Parents can help themselves and their kids maintain focus on important tasks by silencing excessive notifications.
Implementing these strategies will help parents limit kids’ screen time and preserve their digital wellness. However, only a parental control app like FamilyTime can be your failsafe. It can help you make better-informed decisions and protect your kids from real-world dangers (digital and otherwise). So, explore its features or sign up and rest assured that we’ve got your back!