Ideas for getting kids off their screens
This week I asked this question on social media: What's one thing you've done to encourage less screen time for yourself and/or your kids?
(Before we dive in, don't you wish there was an easy button for managing screen time?)
EVERY parent I talk with wants it to be easier to figure out parental controls, to see what kids are doing on social media, to reduce the pull of gaming and all the apps on kids, to set up family rules that stick… Everything around technology and kids should be easier for parents. Yes please!
One thing we can do - SHARE ideas that work with each other!
Here’s what parents are doing to get kids off their screens:
Get kids involved in sports, band or musical instruments, volunteering or after school activities
Arrange play dates that are screen-free
Incentivize reading a self-help book or classic literature with 💰 reward (consider it an investment!)
Set the expectation that after school hours and during daylight are no screen times. Then set up certain hours that are "screen allowed” time slots (if homework is done).
Be a role model and have regular times you’re fully present with family without your phone
Be aware of how kids are using their time and where the sticky points are. One parent noticed her teens were rushing through homework, not really caring about the quality, so they could get back on their video games. She eliminated video games Monday - Thursday and limited TV to an hour (or so). Friday and Saturday they had 3-4 hours of combination of video games and TV. Sunday was limited to 2-ish hours--unless homework was all done, then back to 3-4 hours.
Notice any mood swings or behavioral changes when your kids are on their phones, tablets or gaming systems. One parent noticed bad behavior when her kids played a certain game too much so she talked with her kids about what she was noticing and they brainstormed some options to try for that game.
Encourage LOTS of reading and outdoor activities
Keep a basket for phones and have everyone put their phone in a basket for certain hours. Even better when you have everyone turn off notifications and put the basket in another room.
Take a look at your weekly screen usage on your Digital Wellness app on your phone and show your kids how to read their report. (It's called Screen Time on iPhones and Digital Wellbeing on Androids and you can find the app under Settings). Turn it into a game where you each say your stats every week and try to lower your personal best!
While you're in your Digital Wellbeing app, set a timer on apps that are problematic to get off (Helloooo, TikTok!)
Try the Do Not Disturb feature on your devices so you can have some peace and quiet
Set the expectation for eating meals together at the table with no devices present. Even at restaurants!
Teach your kids to use Sleep Mode on their devices - it turns your screen to Grayscale at a designated time (borrrring!) and Set up a Bedtime for all the devices - if you're worried about getting important texts and calls, you can customize the settings to allow certain interruptions.
Set the expectation that all devices stay out of the bedroom overnight. Always.
What would you add to this list? What’s working for you and the kids in your life? Let us know!
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