Some helpful advice from the Attendance service ...

Screens are a big part of our lives, and when used mindfully, they can be a great tool for learning and connection. However, too much screen time or unstructured use can lead to challenges with focus, sleep, and emotional regulation. This guide provides simple strategies for setting healthy screen habits in your home.

1. Start Conversations About Screen Use

Encouraging open communication helps children understand why screen limits are important. Try these conversation starters:

• What’s your favorite thing to do on your device?

• What’s something fun you did today that didn’t involve screens?

• Have you ever felt tired or grumpy after too much screen time?

• What do you think is a good balance between screens and other activities?

These questions help children reflect on their own screen habits without feeling judged.

2. Set Clear Screen Time Guidelines

Creating predictable rules helps reduce screen-time conflicts. Consider these guidelines:
✔ Set time limits: Decide how much daily screen time is appropriate for your child’s age. (e.g., less than 30 minutes for school-aged children).
✔ Schedule screen-free times: No screens during meals, before bed, or in the morning before school.
✔ Use a timer: Help children transition away from screens by setting a visible timer (e.g., "10 more minutes, then it’s time to play outside").
✔ Explain the ‘why’ behind limits: "Too much screen time before bed makes it harder to sleep."

3. Create Screen-Free Zones

Having areas in your home where screens are not used encourages healthy habits.

Try:

• No screens in bedrooms to promote better sleep.

• No screens at the dinner table to encourage family conversation.

• Screen use only in shared spaces so parents can monitor content.

4. Balance Screen Time with Other Activities

Children need a mix of activities for healthy development. Encourage:

• Outdoor play (biking, running, sports).

• Reading or creative play (drawing, puzzles, building).

• Face-to-face social time with friends and family.

• "For every hour of screen time, let’s do an hour of something active!"

5. Use Screens Mindfully

Not all screen time is equal. Focus on:

• Quality over quantity: Choose educational or interactive content rather than passive scrolling.

• Co-viewing: Watch or play games together and discuss what they’re seeing.

• Encouraging creativity: Prefer screen activities like coding, digital drawing, or making music over endless video watching.

• Taking breaks: Teach kids to notice when they feel tired or grumpy and take a break.

6. Model Healthy Screen Habits

Children learn by watching their parents. Set an example by:

• Avoiding excessive phone use when spending time with family.

• Setting your own limits, like turning off screens before bed.

• Talking about your own screen use: “I need a break from my phone, so I’m going to read instead.”

7. Adjust & Reassess As Needed

Screen habits change as children grow. Revisit your family's screen guidelines regularly and adjust based on:

• Age and school demands.

• Any changes in behavior related to screen time.

• New technologies and trends.

By setting clear expectations and using screens mindfully, you can help your child develop a balanced relationship with technology.