4 Ways to Limit Screen Time Without Stress

The age of smartphones and other mobile devices has opened up a world of possibilities for many people. However, as with all things, too much screen time can be detrimental. Screens are everywhere. In fact, a study published on Frontiers in Human Dynamics found that there was a 50 to 70 percent increase in screen time as internet use skyrocketed during the pandemic. Most of it was spent on social media, and findings parallel with incidences of anxiety and depression. Given the growing negative effects on children’s health, it may be a good idea to moderate their time in front of a screen. Here are four ways to limit screen time for your kids without stress.

Set Schedules and Zones

Adding structure to the family’s day with a schedule can help keep track of just how much time is being spent online. A schedule can ground your children and make them more aware of how they spend their time. According to Cleveland Clinic’s guide on light-emitting diode technology, the liquid crystal displays used for the screens of most devices has a strong current that can easily keep people awake and alert. Aiming for screen time at specific points in the day and setting limits around it can help you feel more in control. You can also set screen-free zones in your house to further limit their usage. For instance, discouraging their use at the dining table can encourage quality time with family during meals instead. No phones in the bathrooms, and even keep bedrooms tech free. When your kids aren’t doing something that involves a screen, spend time with them, especially outdoors, or you can also encourage habits such as reading books.

Use a Smartwatch

Smartwatches are excellent devices that allow kids to do a important things like keeping in touch with parents, without having to stay glued to their phones and expose them to risks of the internet. Instead of having them rely on their phones all the time, they can use a smartwatch instead to listen to music and even send messages. Another popular use of a smartwatch is tracking fitness goals, such as steps per day and heart rate. Advanced smartwatches and fitness trackers have well-designed printed circuit boards (PCBs), which allow engineers to keep the design compact and reliable. According to Altium’s guide on PCB routing, a good PCB stack-up design and route helps maintain a strong signal integrity, limiting disturbances and power supply issues that can happen with small electronics. To choose the right model, look for one that has the necessary features to stay healthy and safe such as a fitness tracker, GPS, and is waterproof. This way, kids won’t have to keep reaching for their phones when they’re on the go. It is also important to pick a watch with a simple user interface so that your kids can get the most out of their devices.

Stay Active and Get Moving

Getting up, moving around, and staying active can help reduce screen time significantly and optimize your children’s mental health, too. Rather than staying in a seated position for hours staring at a screen, encourage your kids to go for a walk or try an activity that will keep them busy. You can even print out a new recipe and try it out in the kitchen together. Get creative as a family and design your own fitness routine, including adding your music and moves to the exercises. If your kids are immersed in physical activities that will take their attention away from a screen, they’re more likely to feel much better afterward.

Get Expert Help

Some habits are really hard to break, especially ones that involve mobile phones and gaming devices. You shouldn’t hesitate to seek out expert third-party help in extreme cases. It may be good to consult a Screen Time Clinic success coach to reinforce values about mindfulness and screen usage, especially for your children. Rather than punishing your kids for using their devices, these experts can teach you strategies that focus on positive messaging to dissuade your children from opening their apps. Having a third-party help with your efforts to curb screen time may be just what you need to do it successfully and healthily. Have questions about which device or strategies are the best for your child? They can help since each situation is unique, the time is now to start making small changes that make a big difference long term for the mental health and wellbeing of our children.