Author - Dr. Pawan Deep Singh, M.B.B.S,DCH,DNB Pediatrics Consultant of Paediatrics

How to Manage Screen Time for Kids?

Smartphones and iPads have become an integral part of our lives. Let us face it, screen time is not going away. If you want to completely eradicate screens from your kid’s lives, move to an isolated island. According to Dr. Pawan Deep Singh, MBBS, DCH, DNB Paediatrics, with screens everywhere, monitoring a child’s screen can be challenging. You can, however, take the necessary steps to limit screen time. The best child specialist in Zirakpur recommends cooperative steps to manage screen time.

How to Manage Screen Time for Kids?

Too much screen time and exposure to poor-quality programming can cause several health issues in children including obesity, behavioural problems, delay in language or social skill development, inadequate sleep schedule, and so forth. The best child specialist doctor in Zirakpur recommends the following strategy for controlling screen time:

1. Accept and Embrace Screens

   As mentioned earlier, screens are not going away. You can, however, ensure that it enriches your child’s life. Learn how you can leverage these screens to help your child do better in school, be more open to experience, and relate to family and friends.

2. Create a Balanced Screen Time 

   It is more about what you do than what you say. The basic rule of parenting is to do the things that you want your child to do. Adults spend around 9 hours on the screen daily which is the same as teenagers. Hence, look at your screen time, try to reduce it, and create a plan for both you and your kids.

3. Brainstorm Other Alternatives

   Children stick to the screens because they have nothing else to do. What you can do is brainstorm other activities for your kids by creating an “activity menu” for them. Skills including reading, drawing, or even playing with a pet can be included in their menu. This way, when they are feeling bored or overwhelmed, they will have other choices instead of using screens.

4. Keep a Schedule

   You can also set specific times of the day or week when your kids know they will be allowed to use their screens. For instance, you can maybe keep 30 minutes before dinner to use screens. This kind of discipline helps kids know what to expect and cuts down on their requests for screens at other times.

5. Do not Debate

   When it comes to creating rules for their screen time, reasoned arguments will not matter to kids. As a parent, you might want to set limits and your kids may not see a reason for doing so. Hence, do not get down to arguing with kids about creating new rules. Instead, open a discussion with them.

6. Pick the Right Time

   Changing the rules suddenly may not go well with your kids. Instead of bombarding the rule on them out of nowhere, check their mood. You can talk with them after a school vacation instead of a busy Monday. This will also help them understand the problem with a free mind.

Limiting screen time in today’s world is difficult. With everything available on the screens, kids may not see a reason for restricting its use. The only solution to this problem is to be compassionate, be more emotionally available, and bring other activities into their lives. If you feel that your child is using the screen too much and is causing health issues, consult Dr. Pawan Deep Singh at the Motherhood Hospitals. At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced specialists backed by the latest infrastructure and facilities. We have the best Gynaecologist in Chandigarh. Do take an appointment with the best Gynaecologist in Chandigarh at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life. If you wish to get in touch with Dr. Pawan Deep Singh, please book your appointment here