Managing Screentime and Gaming

Whaea Sarah — August 5th, 2020

Screentime – How much is too much?

Many children enjoy the thrill and excitement of online and video gaming, but when is it considered

excessive and affecting a child’s wellbeing?

Raising Children Network (Australia) has created a screentime checklist to help parents determine if

their child is using screens in a balanced and healthy way.

Balancing screentime with a healthy lifestyle is important for a child’s social, emotional, and physical

development.

Raising Children Network (Australia) offers tips for balance to help children schedule screentime

around with physical activity, creative play, reading, socialising, and sleep.

Getting a good night’s sleep is important for everyone’s wellbeing, especially children.

Health Navigator includes information for parents about why screentime and bedtime don’t mix, and

advice about removing electronic devices from the bedroom to provide a good sleep environment.

What catches kid's attention online isn't always what’s appropriate for them, and can even be

harmful.

Common Sense Media offers reviews and ratings for movies, online apps, and games so parents can

feel confident about about the entertainment choices they make for their children.

Screens have made our lives easier in many ways, but they can get too much of our attention and

disrupt quality family/whānau time if we’re not careful.

The Parenting Place has made templates for family contracts to help establish agreements and rules

for screentime use:

Being a parent in the digital age can be challenging.

Keep it Real Online offers practical tools and advice to help keep your family/whānau safe online.