With the rise in technology, most households now own several internet-connected mobile devices. In fact, a research conducted by Telsyte has found that the average household in Australia owns at least one tablet, with other families owning up to 20 devices consisting of smartphones, tablets and other types of mobile devices.
This also means that more and more children are exposed to mobile devices at a much earlier age. Thus, it is not surprising to find many discussions about the effect of introducing mobile devices to children at a young age.
Let’s be realistic though – we can’t completely avoid exposing our children to these devices especially when we own one or two ourselves. However, we can set limits and take a better approach to make screen time (the time spent in front of the television, computer or mobile device) more fun and educational for our kids.
Limit their time in front of the TV or mobile device
If your child is under 2 years old, as much as possible, they should not be allowed in front of the screen. For 2 years and older, experts advise parents to limit their screen time to only up to 2 hours a day. This already includes time in front of the television, computer, mobile devices and handheld gaming devices.
Therefore, it is important that we exercise discipline in our little ones, as well as ourselves and avoid giving in to the temptation of just letting them use a device just to avoid tantrums. One effective way is to set a schedule when they will be allowed to use a tablet or watch the TV and stick to that schedule.
For instance, to unwind from school, you can let them spend time 30 minutes watching the TV or playing an app on the tablet after they come home. You can also allow them screen time while travelling in the car. After this, they should be doing their homework or other activities that you have planned for them. If they insist on continuing with playing or watching the TV, you can first divert their attention with another activity that they find interesting, which does not involve gadgets.
Monitor their activities
It isn’t enough to monitor the time they spend on mobile devices, you also have to pay attention to what they are doing and what effects these activities may have on them. If you allow them to access the internet, then be sure to guide them and whenever possible, check which sites they visit, discussions they participate in and how they use their mobile devices and the internet in general.
Let them only use apps that you have approved
Before they can play with any apps on the mobile device, make sure that you have used the app yourself and know about its mechanics. Especially for smaller children, it is best that you’ll be the one to pick the apps they can play with.
When choosing apps for your kids, pick ones that they won’t just enjoy but also learn from. There are plenty of apps specifically made for kids – from learning their ABCs, to counting, drawing and playing musical instruments. There are even apps about the environment and apps teaching the importance of eating fruits and vegetables.
Set time for outdoor and creative activities
Of course, if you can allow them to explore the world and learn through apps and the mobile device, then you should make sure they keep in touch with the real world. While they can have fun, play and learn through a tablet, nothing can beat the experience they will have through outdoor games, and physical and creative activities.
This can as well help you with limiting them and reinforcing a discipline on amount of time they spent in front of the TV or tablet. We should remember that as parents, it is our responsibility for our child to grow up with discipline, but neither do we have to deprive them of the things that they enjoy.
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