Expert tips for teen Screen time management

Teenagers often spend a significant amount of time using screens without proper guidance. Whether they are constantly texting on their smartphones or watching videos on their laptops, their electronic usage can quickly become overwhelming. However, it is possible for screen time and digital technology to be part of a healthy lifestyle when balanced with other activities that promote personal growth and well-being. These activities include engaging in physical exercise, participating in extracurricular pursuits, and socializing with others. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that screen time does not interfere with adequate sleep.

To help teenagers develop a balanced and healthy approach to screen usage, the following tips can be beneficial.

1. Use rules about screen time and digital technology use:

You can assist teenagers in achieving a balance between screen time and digital technology by implementing family rules or creating a family media plan. It is acceptable to establish time limits to ensure that your child maintains a healthy equilibrium between screen time and engaging in other activities such as physical exercise.

2. Look into extracurricular activities:

Engaging in extracurricular activities, interests, and hobbies is beneficial for your child as it provides them with opportunities to meet new individuals and develop various skills. These activities serve as an excellent means to strike a balance with screen time. Extracurricular activities encompass a wide range of options that your child can enjoy outside of school, including sports, drama, and hobbies such as crafting. Additionally, they can involve activities that you have encouraged your child to pursue, such as language classes, music, debating, swimming, community engagement, or part-time work.

3. Encourage socializing and friendship:

While it's beneficial for your child to use social media to stay connected with friends, it's equally important for them to engage in face-to-face socialization. Interacting with others in person helps your child develop essential social skills and provides them with a social circle to explore new activities, particularly those that differ from their family's interests or pursuits.

4. Avoid screen time and digital technology use before bed:

It is recommended that teenagers aim for approximately 8-10 hours of sleep each night. However, the use of digital technology before bedtime can impact the ability to fall asleep quickly. If your child refrains from using mobile phones, smartwatches with apps, tablets, computer screens, or watching TV within the hour prior to bedtime, they are more likely to achieve faster sleep onset.

5. Keep digital technology out of bedrooms at night:

By keeping mobile phones and other devices out of your child's bedroom during the night, you can prevent them from staying up late engaging in gaming or messaging friends. Additionally, this practice helps avoid disturbances caused by notifications, messages, or calls during the night, allowing your child to have uninterrupted sleep.