The Go-To Guide to Smarter Screen Time

As a parent, your child’s screen time is probably a source of continued stress. On the one hand, you have to accept the fact that tech plays a more central role in modern life than in any previous generation. On the other hand, you will be aware that screen addiction is a major problem for youngsters. 

Children will need to use modern tech in their personal and professional lives in future years. So, not giving them the opportunity to familiarise themselves with devices could be equally damaging as too much screen time. As with most things in life, balance is the key. 

Get switched on with the 10 ideas below. In turn, you’ll reach an outcome that works for parents and kids alike. 

1. Learn Tech Skills For The Future

One of the main reasons for kids to enjoy screen time is that they will need tech skills in later life. Without them, your son or daughter will get left behind in the same way that many people from the boomer generation did. Your role is to edge your child towards relevant skills.

It is possible to make coding cool for kids. Aside from developing a natural love of writing code, it can guide them towards STEM subjects. Once children want to dedicate their tech time to tasks like this, you will find that they naturally spend less time on mindless activities.

In today’s climate, it is clear that learning to use AI and automation will be vital too. Get kids started early, and they will pick it up fast.

2. Embrace Brain Training

Most kids will want to play games when using screens. It is an ideal way for them to relax, kill boredom, and even enjoy the dopamine hit of winning. If you can point them towards genres and titles that train the brain, every gaming session will have a positive impact.

Classic games, such as Solitaire are ideal. Players develop pattern recognition skills and critical thinking. For youngsters, it supports counting and reading skills too. Other games ranging from Chess to Sudoku can teach valuable skills too. And the classics can be enjoyed in later life too.

Brain training games may also include quizzes and other engaging assignments. The key is to focus on an educational touch. 

3. Develop Cognitive Skills

When choosing the right genre of video games, youngsters can develop a wide range of skills. Aside from boosting memory and strategic learning, it is an ideal way to support cognitive development. Virtually all games require some level of hand-eye coordination.

In fact, many games like RPGs and FPSs (first person shooters) require great attention. Players have to use their peripheral view while every movement has an impact on the game. Screen time can support the development and even slow decline in later life. 

When combined with the fact that players have to ‘read’ their opponents, the benefits are huge. Regardless of whether it’s an AI or human enemy.

4. Complete Academic Learning

Screen time doesn’t only have the capacity to help children build a stronger foundation for learning. Perhaps more importantly, it can be used to actively continue academic learning. For starters, many schools now use interactive learning programmes and online homework delivery.

There are plenty of programmes that parents can sign their kids up for too. Numbots, for example, is a fun way for primary school kids to develop their math skills. There are also similar options for English, science, history, and a host of other subjects.

Children find it more enjoyable than traditional learning. Better still, the interactive nature means that a large percentage of the info will stick.

5. Encourage Exercise

When parents are asked about the challenges presented by too much screen time, a lack of physical exercise ranks high. We all know about the phenomenon of the ‘couch kids’. While you must consciously try to keep kids active, that doesn’t mean you have to ban screen time.

On the contrary, there are a host of interactive video games on the market. When the player uses motion-tracking tech to move their character or play a virtual sport, they will burn calories. More importantly, it supports their blood flow and raises the heart rate. 
Fitness watches for kids are another great option. They’ll naturally want to beat their step scores or fastest run times. What more could a parent ask for?

6. Add Social Gaming

Video games are not the enemy. Whether it’s solo games like Solitaire or a platformer that requires problem-solving skills doesn’t matter. Gaming can support the development of various key skills while also engaging the brain’s reward system. Yet, it can do so much more.

Once upon a time, gaming was considered a lonely activity. However, kids can now connect with friends online and talk through gaming headsets. This is great for their communication skills, as the interactions rely solely on audio cues. It also facilitates a safe space to play.

Players can grow in self-confidence while also developing teamwork skills. The addition of a competitive edge makes screen time even more productive. 

7. Celebrate Creativity

Screen time should not be limited to academic development or traditional video games. It can also be a tool for supporting creativity. Firstly, open-world games without clear goals, such as Minecraft, are ideal. Kids get to build their worlds, using their imagination. 

Creativity can also be supported with other tools. A graphics tablet can support artistic development. It combines their analogue artwork with digital capabilities to unlock great results. Another option is to connect instruments to music recording software.

Technology can enhance a host of hobbies. It is one of the most effective ways to enjoy tech in a balanced and productive manner. 

8. Make Money

Kids will almost certainly use modern tech to earn money in later life. So why not encourage them to start doing this during their childhood? It can occur in many forms, even through competitive gaming to win cash prizes. If a child has a skill, they should embrace it.

More commonly, though, screen time can turn into side hustles. You could help your child start a YouTube channel dedicated to making content about a topic they love. Or you could run an Etsy store on their behalf, where they sell their artistic creations to consumers.

Even ideas like selling old toys on eBay can be very useful. Teaching kids about the value of money can only have a positive influence on their future. 

9. Watch Educational Videos

Screen time isn’t just about gaming or interactive play. Oftentimes, there’s nothing quite like sitting down to watch a TV show or film. Once again, choosing content that encourages children to develop key skills is advised. And it carries a far greater impact than mindless shows.

TV shows with an educational touch start in pre-school years. As children get older, you can help them fall in love with wildlife documentaries and other content that teaches them about the world. Alternatively, videos that support emotional intelligence can work wonders.

On a side note, enjoying screen time together as a family allows you to play a more active role and answer their questions. 

10. Adopt Balanced Habits

Finally, it’s not just about what they use their screen time for. Even when kids prioritize the steps above, parents must encourage them to form healthy bonds with screens. Every child should enjoy hobbies and activities that do not rely on screens in any form.

Mums and dads should also look to set healthy boundaries. Screens should be turned off for an hour before bed, not least because this influences sleep quality. Turning off notifications from Apps and integrating regular breaks to stretch the legs and give the eyes a rest.

When used in conjunction with the suitable activities, your child’s screen time will look far healthier. Now and for many years to come.