[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-80px|||||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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When school\u2019s out, those memorable school break routines (or lack of them) get into full swing for families everywhere. Most kids end a semester exhausted, but on a high. They generally spend more time outdoors, playing with their toys, or just hanging out with friends. But, like everything else, there comes a time when the high wears off, and many kids turn to their phones and digital devices to pass the time.<\/span><\/p>\n It can be tough for parents to get kids to follow the same tried and tested <\/span>screen time rules over summer, spring, and winter breaks<\/b>, but we\u2019ve got you covered. Along with expert in technology addiction Marc Masip, we\u2019ve compiled our<\/span> top screen time tips for school breaks<\/b> to reign in the tech use, and build great habits that last all year long.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n School breaks can be long, and we\u2019re sure that there are several arguments in favor of cramming in a few hours\u2019 extra screen time, both from your kids\u2019 point of view, and yours!<\/span><\/p>\n In the grand scheme of things, <\/span>the occasional bonus screen-time session isn\u2019t going to affect your child\u2019s routine <\/b>or their wellbeing too much. However, a relaxed approach for the whole break isn\u2019t a one-off change to your rules, which you\u2019ve most likely put in place in order to look out for your child\u2019s mental and physical health (among other things), and to help them build strong digital habits that they\u2019ll rely on in later life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As Masip puts it, \u201cIn my experience, the amount of screen time should not change at any time of year. Though it can be extra tempting during school breaks to be a little lax on the rules, the problem with giving more screen time is that a habit is quickly formed. This means <\/span>returning to shorter time limits after the break is extremely difficult.<\/b> I see more patients in September than any other time of the year exactly for this reason.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The key, as with anything, lies in <\/span>striking the right balance<\/span><\/a> for your family. <\/span>There\u2019s no hard-and-fast rule for how much screen time is \u201cright\u201d<\/b>, as it all depends on your child\u2019s age, your family\u2019s needs, and, importantly, your child\u2019s personality.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s up to you to decide what the <\/span>right levels of screen time<\/span><\/a> are, and whether that means an increase over school breaks, bearing in mind how it could affect your regular routines once vacation time is over. When thinking about how much you need to <\/span>limit screen time<\/span><\/a>, consider:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Once you understand how, why, and when your kids want to use technology, it\u2019ll be easier to manage screen time and come to a decision over the right amount to offer them across the school break.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2022\/05\/24172934\/2022-06-Do-I-need-summer-screen-time-rules_InsideImage.jpg” alt=”Setting a summer screen time routine” title_text=”Do I need summer screen time rules” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 1. Don\u2019t use screen time as a bartering tool<\/b><\/p>\n Of course, this is easier said than done, but try not to associate screen time with being a special \u201ctreat\u201d. <\/span>The goal is to build healthy habits, not bargaining chips<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In the words of Masip, \u201c<\/span>Resist the temptation to use screen time as a punishment or a reward<\/b>. This can easily turn into blackmail and is the wrong way to educate your children. Having good grades, doing well at sports, and doing chores are part of building good character and should have nothing to do with winning or losing screen time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n 2. Let any guardians know about your screen time rules<\/b><\/p>\n If you\u2019re leaving your kids with family members or any other guardians over school breaks, they can\u2019t be expected to understand your rules if they don\u2019t know what they are! <\/span>Clearly lay out your screen time rules to anybody who\u2019s watching over your children<\/b> during vacation time, or any time of year, for that matter.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It can be difficult to enforce a routine when kids are out the house, so consider using a <\/span>parental control tool<\/span><\/a> to help keep ground rules in place, no matter where they are, or who they\u2019re with.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If your child is spending increased time with granddad, a neighbor, or even with their co-parent in a separate household, and you don\u2019t want to share your login details, Qustodio\u2019s <\/span>additional parent feature<\/span><\/a> can be a great help. This handy tool will let another parent or guardian set rules and receive reports about your kid\u2019s screen time use, meaning you can be sure it\u2019s consistent wherever they are this school break. <\/span><\/p>\n 3. Focus on creating the right balance, rather than prohibiting screen time<\/b><\/p>\n When it comes to how your kids interact with screens, a complete ban usually doesn\u2019t work in your favor. From free reign to outright prohibition, Masip has seen the effects of screens on both ends of the spectrum.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cSet your rules and stick to them, all year long, \u201d says Masip. \u201cYou cannot just set rules up and walk away. <\/span>We have to suggest activities, insist, be there for them, and spend time with them<\/b>. This is absolutely key and really the golden rule of parenting when it comes to screen time. Keep in mind this does not mean NO screen time. Prohibiting screen time just leads to rebellion.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n 4. Set limits and expectations before screen time starts<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0\u201cSchool breaks are time for freedom, and are fertile grounds to create new habits\u2026especially healthy ones,\u201d says Masip.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If your kids don\u2019t know what their limits are, it\u2019s easy for them to spend longer on screens than you\u2019d like them to. <\/span>Be clear about what they can and can\u2019t do before a session:<\/b> \u201cYou can watch two TV shows today\u201d, or \u201cYou can play Roblox for 30 minutes before lunch\u201d allows them to understand how long they\u2019ve got, and helps you to establish consequences if they overstep these limits.<\/span><\/p>\n 5. Get outside<\/b><\/p>\n The great outdoors can be a huge help when it comes to disconnection \u2013 both for you, and for your kids. What you\u2019re really working towards is scheduling a time of day where every family member is screen-free, and making the most of time spent together.<\/span><\/p>\n If the weather\u2019s not good, don\u2019t worry. Play a board game, make smoothies, or do some arts and crafts. Fun doesn\u2019t always have to be spontaneous, as much as we might think the opposite! In your daily routine, block out some downtime for family activities, or time with friends where nobody\u2019s in front of a screen, and you\u2019ll soon look forward to these offline moments together.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Creating a routine where screens feature less and less doesn\u2019t have to be an uphill battle \u2013 instead of hard and fast rules, look to building healthier habits for the whole family. Screens and school breaks don\u2019t have to go hand-in-hand, and by promoting intentional use, with clear expectations, you can start to enjoy more of those special family moments together.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" When school\u2019s out, those memorable school break routines (or lack of them) get into full swing for families everywhere. Most kids end a semester exhausted, but on a high. They generally spend more time outdoors, playing with their toys, or just hanging out with friends. But, like everything else, there comes a time when […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":42,"featured_media":32273,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" School is out and summer routines, or lack of routines, are in full swing. Most kids end the school year exhausted but on a high. They generally spend more time outdoors, heading to the beach, or just hanging out with their friends in the sunshine. But like all highs, there comes a time when it wears off.<\/p><\/div>\r\n\r\n And this is when kids tend, now more than ever, to turn to phones and digital devices to escape any feelings of isolation, boredom, or loneliness which research increasingly shows have much the same addictive power as drugs. And just like with drugs, many kids are not fully aware of the dangers. The technological equivalent is that we have a wave of \u201cdigital illiterates\u201d. If your child is like most, then they probably know even more about technology than you do. But what I am referring to here is that they are much less aware of the dangers. And I\u2019m not just talking about digital addiction<\/strong>. I\u2019m talking about everything else lurking on the internet\u2013the bullies, groomers, scammers\u2026<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\r\n\r\n Fortunately there are parental control tools that can massively help parents get greater peace of mind<\/strong> while their children are on the internet over the summer and all year long. And I continually recommend these kind of tools to parents and my patients. But once you have one, you need to know what kind of time limits to set and stick with them. <\/p> This, of course, varies with your child\u2019s age and personality. But, in my experience, the amount of screen time should not change in the summer or at any time of time of year. Though it can be extra tempting in the summer to be a little lax on the rules, the problem with giving more screen time is a habit is quickly formed. This means returning to shorter time limits in the fall is extremely difficult.<\/strong> I see more patients in September than any other time of the year exactly for this reason. <\/p><\/div>\r\n\r\n One of my patients told me, \u201cI feel like now that I\u2019ve finished school and done my part, I have the right to do whatever I want without my parents bugging me all the time.\u201d <\/strong>And to some degree he\u2019s right, but kids and teens need limits, whether they realize it or not. And it\u2019s a parent\u2019s job to set them and stick to them.<\/p><\/div>\r\n\r\n Here are some summer screen time tips<\/strong> that I recommend to help find that balance<\/strong> and enjoy the freedom of summer, without falling into digital addiction or using technology as a crutch for the summertime blues:<\/p><\/div>\r\n\r\n It makes me really sad to see the increasing number of kids coming to my office with digital addiction or technology-related problems. It tells me that neither parents nor children are fully prepared for the challenges of the digital age.<\/strong> This is an important point. One thing is knowing that your child is not ready to have a mobile phone. Another is knowing that your child might be ready to have one, but you as a parent are not ready to enforce it. And though I often recommend parental control apps, it is not a cure-all. You cannot just set it up and walk away.\u00a0<\/p><\/div>\r\n\r\n Once trouble strikes, therapy is a great help. But there is so much more we as a society need to do to help prevent children from coming to my office in the first place. Schools need to do more to educate children on the dangers of the internet, like this successful new initiative from a school in Essen, Germany<\/a> that has teens come to talk to younger children about the dangers of texting. Governments also need to set stricter laws to protect children online and to encourage parents to take more responsibility.<\/p><\/div>\r\n\r\n Much of that is beyond your control, but a parent\u2019s number one job is still in your hands, or should I say in your heart, and that is to love, love, love your children. And part of that love is tough love\u2013setting limits<\/strong> and sticking to them. Summer is a time for freedom, and it is fertile ground to create new habits. It\u2019s your job as a parent to make sure they are healthy ones.<\/p><\/div>\r\n\r\nIs it okay to give my child extra screen time over school breaks?<\/b><\/h2>\n
How much screen time is best during school breaks?<\/b><\/h2>\n
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How to create better screen time habits for school breaks<\/b><\/h2>\n
Psychologist Marc Masip explains why additional screen time is not a good idea and gives his top digital tips for summer that last all year long.<\/h4><\/div>\r\n\r\n
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\r\n<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\r\n\r\nMore great online safety and digital wellbeing articles from Qustodio:<\/strong><\/h3>