Screen time is a fact of life these days. And certainly the internet offers lots of great opportunities for kids to learn, have fun and stay connected to friends and family. But most of us have days when we’ve struggled to unglue them from their screens at some point, whether that’s phones and tablets, computer games or the telly. Here are some ideas for getting the most out of screen time, and some tips from parents on getting the kids off their screens and into the real world.
Making the most of screen time
There are lots of benefits to children for spending time online, from discovering new things to keeping in touch with granny! One of the best ways for your little one to get the most out of screen time is watching high-quality programmes with you – and in small doses. Screen time can provide opportunities for language development, and can inspire their imagination and start some great games, but try not to rely too much on it as a childminder, or use it to send your child off to sleep, as looking at a screen before bedtime can actually make it harder to sleep.
There are some really good programmes and apps out there, so choose what your child’s going to use (with your tot’s help, once they’re able to show a preference) and, if possible, sit down together to watch or play. For example, you could take a look at CBeebies or check out the Family Gaming Database or the National Literacy Trust's Literacy Apps to find games and apps suitable for the age of your child that can help spark their imagination.
When it’s over, switch off the screen. However ‘educational’ a children’s programme or app is – and many are very useful – they're not the same as interaction with you by talking and looking at books or pictures together.
As your child gets older, you’ll need to be firm about screen times. Our section on online safety has tips for talking to your child about staying safe and setting boundaries for using their devices.
When you do switch on the screen, follow the 8 useful hints here.
8 tips to help your child get the most out of screen time
Tip #1: Talk together as you watch
Tip #1: Talk together as you watch
Tip #2: Expand on their viewing
Tip #2: Expand on their viewing
Tip #3: A time and a place
Tip #3: A time and a place
Tip #4: Use parental controls
Tip #4: Use parental controls
Tip #5: Keep an eye on small children when they're online
Tip #5: Keep an eye on small children when they're online
Tip #6: Try not to use screen time to reward or punish
Tip #6: Try not to use screen time to reward or punish
Tip #7: Turn off screens when you're not watching and play instead
Tip #7: Turn off screens when you're not watching and play instead
Tip #8: Be picky
Tip #8: Be picky
Tips for getting them off their screens
We all need time to relax and be entertained and that goes for kids too. Screen time can entertain, inspire, give your child a chance for some quiet time – and give you a bit of a break from non-stop activity. But just as a diet of nothing but junk food is bad, large doses of poor quality screen time can lead to weight problems and prevent children giving their full attention to more important things, like learning to talk.
If you’re concerned that your kids are spending too much time glued to their devices, here are some tips for unsticking them. You can find more ideas here.
Tips to help limit their time online
Tip #1: It won’t happen overnight, but it will happen
Tip #1: It won’t happen overnight, but it will happen
Tip #2: Keep them busy
Tip #2: Keep them busy
Tip #3: Put your phone away
Tip #3: Put your phone away
Tip #4: Mix up their routines
Tip #4: Mix up their routines
Tip #5: Chores galore
Tip #5: Chores galore
Tip #6: Make meal times device-free zones
Tip #6: Make meal times device-free zones
Tip #7: Swap the iPad for a Play Bag
Tip #7: Swap the iPad for a Play Bag
Tip #8: Make bedtime storytime
Tip #8: Make bedtime storytime
Tip #9: Make family time fun
Tip #9: Make family time fun
Tip #10: Set a countdown
Tip #10: Set a countdown
Tip #11: Keep your cool
Tip #11: Keep your cool
How much screen time is too much?
You’re the expert on your child – you’ll probably already know how much screen time is too much for them. And it’s not just about the amount of time they spend on screens, but what they’re doing – video calling grandpa can never be a bad thing! Like all things, try to keep a balance between screen-based activities and offline play, exercise and plenty of fresh air.
From the parents
"My top tip would be that your kids don’t always have to be constantly entertained! They will find something to do that lets them use their imagination and creativity." – Kirsty
"I find screens make behaviour way worse than it should be! Having a variety of games you can play together can help." – Sarah
Staying safe online
Our section on online safety has lots more information on how to help keep your children safer online.