Besides keeping us apart in the name of social distancing, the COVID-19 pandemic hooked us all to the screens a lot more than we used to be. No matter how much we try to distract ourselves, the new normal has made our children addicted to the screens. Honestly, the kids are not at fault as the mobile and laptops became necessary during their online classes amid the strict lockdowns that were much needed to mitigate the spread of the virus. While we have accepted the new normal with open arms, it becomes extremely crucial to limit the screen time, as it dwindles the cognitive growth, and affects the eyesight. Acknowledging it to be the need of the hour, Psychologist, Dr. Jazmine McCoy shared a few tips on limiting screen time for children.
Addressing the issue of rising screen time among the kids, the psychologist gave a few tips on how parents can limit the screen usage of their children. The health expert began by suggesting to all the parents, “Before exposing kids to new technology like social media and virtual reality, it’s important to focus on building a foundation of open communication, digital safety, and healthy screen habits. And the earlier we start teaching these things, the better.” Her latest Instagram post carried out four practical ways that parents can incorporate in order to keep their children away from screens.
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Urging parents to create a schedule around screen time, she asked to place conditions for allowing their kids to watch TV like finishing the homework first. While it can be a bit relaxing for you as a parent to let your kid get engaged with the screen as you finish your important work, it can easily backfire with tantrums, defiance, and disconnection.
Next, she recommended parents develop a family media plan and decide on screen-free zones and screen-free times. For instance, the screen-free zones can be the kitchen or dining table, while screen-free times can be while eating food.
She also suggested opting for quality screen time and by this, she meant choosing the screen time to interact with people virtually as this will expose the kids to the bright side of using technology. Lastly, she concluded that the parents can use the medium to teach their kids. For instance, indulge them in shows and movies that teach them good habits.
