[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 _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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While devices have become an indispensable tool for parents, teachers and children alike, it\u2019s hard to shake off the creeping sensation that it\u2019s becoming more and more difficult to manage time in front of screens, whether it\u2019s educational or not. <\/span><\/p>\n Excessive screen time doesn\u2019t just affect children: the whole family can benefit from screen-time management strategies, helping create a balance between work and life, and the technology we use in both situations. So how can you make it work? <\/span><\/p>\n Try these tips to help <\/strong><\/span>balance screen time and learning<\/strong>, designed to help your family develop healthy digital habits and make the most of technology together.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Creating a <\/span>screen time routine<\/span> based on your child\u2019s age can be a useful tool for parents, while also helping children understand their own digital limits. When developing your family\u2019s screen time routine, <\/span>consider<\/b> the times your children can use technology, the places they are able to access screens, and what they are able to use devices for.<\/b> If you want to avoid setting timers and constant clock checking for when your kids can access certain devices, you may want to use a <\/span>parental control tool<\/span><\/a> to help set screen-free times of day – this way you can program a schedule ahead of time, and concentrate on your family moments!<\/span><\/p>\n For example, if your child has a device they have been given by the school, such as a <\/span>Chromebook<\/span><\/a>, make it clear they cannot use that device for personal use – no social media, no video streaming, and no web browsing that doesn\u2019t directly relate to schoolwork. Likewise, <\/span>if they have a personal device such as a cell phone, encourage them not to use it for school work<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n By helping them to separate their personal devices from their school devices, you\u2019ll contribute to the lines not becoming blurred between usage for school life and home life. It also helps to consider where you and your kids can access your various devices. Maybe you would prefer video games to be played in common areas, while schoolwork can be done in the study, or at a desk in an allocated room. These rules can also help you as parents to <\/span>keep work and home life separate<\/b>, if you use a work device!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _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 Many of us love to learn new things through TV programs and YouTube, and video content can certainly be a useful tool when it comes to digesting information and exploring new topics. But how much of the content uploaded to \u201ceducational\u201d YouTube channels is really oriented to learning? While education has its very own category on the platform, regulation of the individual videos is difficult, which means much of the content under the category is not particularly educational in nature, and in some cases, the information detailed in them could be inaccurate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Some things you can do to <\/span>help your children engage with more relevant TV series and better online video content<\/b> include:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2022\/03\/14143552\/Blog_5tipstoHelpBalanceScreenTimeandLearningInsideImage.png” alt=”Helping kids balance screen time and learning” title_text=”Blog_5tipstoHelpBalanceScreenTimeandLearningInsideImage” align=”center” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _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 Spending hours in front of screens with no break can affect focus, sleep quality, and put strain on your child\u2019s eyes, especially if they have to concentrate on schoolwork for a long period of time. To help your child <\/span>balance screen time and learning<\/span>, it\u2019s better to <\/span>take short breaks, such as 5-10 minute ones every hour<\/b>, than to rest for a longer period after several hours of consecutive screen time. Try to help your kids find a natural break in their schoolwork to get up, go grab a glass of water, take a quick walk outside, or anything else that helps them disconnect and refocus.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Offer up other activities that help your kids <\/span>stay screen-free<\/span><\/a> in other moments of their day, too – this will help them create an overall balance, so they don\u2019t jump from screen time for school to screen time for their own enjoyment, with nothing in between. If your child doesn\u2019t have any offline hobbies, <\/span>encourage them to find something they enjoy doing that doesn\u2019t involve a screen<\/b>. Get outdoors together as a family, even if it\u2019s just for a quick walk around the block, or do some exercise together. Involving yourself in your child\u2019s screen-free moments is a good way to bond and set a good example for them when it comes to healthy digital habits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n It\u2019s no secret that screens have an effect on sleep, but with so many devices, from video consoles to smart TVs, in the family home it can be difficult to switch off in the hours leading up to bed. The problem with screens is that they emit blue light, which affects the body\u2019s natural production of melatonin – the hormone that signals to us it\u2019s time for sleep mode to be turned on. Kids need a good night\u2019s rest in order to be ready for the day ahead, so help them to properly wind down and <\/span>get better quality sleep<\/span><\/a> by <\/span>keeping screens switched off up to an hour before bedtime<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n1. Determine when, where and how screens are used<\/h2>\n
2. Be selective about TV and video content<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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3. Set breaks for screen-free moments or activities<\/strong><\/h2>\n
4. Avoid screen time before bed<\/strong><\/h2>\n