Devices and Digital Parents with Young Children
In today’s digital age, children are sadly introduced to technology at a very young age. While digital devices can offer educational benefits, they also pose challenges for parents (and children alike), especially for digital parents with young children. In this blog post, we’ll explore effective digital parenting strategies that can help manage screen time and promote healthy habits (outside of the digital world) for young children if devices have to be part of their lives.
As a parent, I have to ask myself, do our young children really need devices in their lives, what about a colouring book, jigsaw or playing football outside?
Understanding the Impact of Digital Devices on Young Children
Research shows that children under the age of five spend an average of two hours a day on screens. While moderate screen time can be beneficial, excessive use can impact their development. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that increased screen time is linked to delays in language development and social skills. As a digital parent, I would rather not expose young children to any close-up screens, like tablets or even our smartphones.
Do you have older children? How to Set Healthy Digital Boundaries for Teens
The so-called Benefits of Controlled Screen Time
When managed properly, digital devices can serve as valuable educational tools. Interactive apps and educational games can enhance cognitive skills, improve hand-eye coordination, and foster creativity. For instance, apps like ABCmouse are designed to offer fun, educational content for toddlers and preschoolers. That said, do we actually need devices for educational purposes, what about an actual book for reading or colouring or even a drawing pad and canvas?
Strategies for Digital Parents with Young Children
If there are digital devices in your young children’s lives there have to be boundaries and limitations set.
1. Set Clear Boundaries and Time Limits
Establishing clear rules about when and how long your child can use digital devices is crucial. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children aged 2 to 5 should have no more than one hour of screen time per day.
Turn off your home wifi, or put all devices away when screen time is up. If it is unsupervised screen time (which I don’t recommend) consider using features like screen timers on devices to help enforce these limits.
Digital Parent tip: Make sure all screen time is supervised, at this age, young children have very limited online awareness.
2. Choose Age-Appropriate Content
As digital parents with young children, you must ensure that the content your child consumes is age-appropriate, on all devices, especially on TVs, streaming apps and the likes of YouTube. Look for educational apps, games, and videos that are designed to promote learning and development. Websites like Common Sense Media provide reviews and recommendations for age-appropriate content.
3. Encourage Active Participation
Interactive engagement with digital content is more beneficial than passive watching. Again, if devices are used for educational purposes, encourage your child to play educational games or participate in interactive storytelling sessions. Apps like Khan Academy Kids offer a wealth of interactive learning activities. Active supervision is a must when your young children are on devices.
4. Create Tech-Free Zones and Times
Designate certain areas in your home, like the dining room or bedrooms, as tech-free zones. Additionally, tech-free times, such as during meals and before bedtime, should be established to encourage family interactions and healthy sleep patterns. This should really be about setting an example as digital parents with young children about your device use rather than their usage which should be in full view of you at all times.
Promoting Offline Activities
1. Encourage Outdoor Play
Outdoor play is more essential than ever for a child’s physical and mental development. Activities such as biking, playing in the park, or doing nature walks as a family can provide a healthy balance between screen time and the digital world. It can also create healthy digital habits at a young age, away from the digital world.
2. Foster Creative Play
A total must in this crazy digital world, provide your child with opportunities for creative play, such as arts and crafts, building blocks, or dress-up games. These activities help build imagination and problem-solving skills.
Leading by Example
As we know, children learn by observing adults. Demonstrating balanced digital habits yourself will encourage your child to follow suit. Engage in activities like reading, playing, and exploring nature together.
Read more: How Bad is Mobile Phone Addiction for Your Digital Lifestyle?
Setting Boundaries in the Digital World
Digital devices are sadly an inevitable part of modern childhood. By setting boundaries, selecting appropriate content, and promoting offline activities, you can help your young children benefit from balancing the digital and non-digital worlds without experiencing its drawbacks. Remember, the key to successful digital parenting lies in balance and mindful engagement, ensuring your child grows up in a healthy, nurturing environment where some digital awareness can begin.
As digital parents with young children, how have you managed device usage or screen time?
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely my own and reflect my personal experiences as a digital parent to two teenage, online game-playing boys. While I strive to provide helpful information and share what has worked for me, please remember that everyone’s situation is unique. The content provided here is not intended as professional advice. If you require specific guidance or support, I strongly encourage you to seek assistance from qualified professionals in the relevant field