How To Stay On Top Of Your Family’s Digital Usage

Reducing those numbers can be challenging for adults, never mind for our kids, who are easily swept up in the electronic madness. So, what’s a parent to do? There’s no quick fix. But here are five easy things you can do today to start reducing screen time and more effectively navigate parenting in the digital age of technology:

1. Use less talk, more action when it comes to setting limits. Instead of yelling “put away that phone!” use a good family-safety app that lets you do it all ahead of time in a few simple clicks. No fuss, no muss. Pre-determining screen-time limits lets you decide in advance when and how long they can access all their devices. And a good app will let you set those limits across all of their connected devices, from their laptops, phones, and tablets, to gaming consoles and PCs. It should also let you set limits on specific apps or games (e.g. more time on the schoolwork, less time on social media). What’s more, you can adjust time limits as needed (say for an upcoming road trip or summer break). Plus, your kids can request additional time, which you can decide to accept or reject on an individual basis. This makes it easier on everyone involved. If your app gives you the option of getting weekly activity reports—sign up! That way, you get the full picture of your family’s digital usage.

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2. Create a tech-free, family-time zone. Make time every day for the entire family to put away their devices and get some fresh air. Not only is it a good way to make some memories, study after study has found that outdoor time reduces stress, boosts creativity, promotes exercise, improves mood, and so much more. It doesn’t have to be all day. Spend an hour shooting some baskets, swimming, taking the dogs for a walk, or going on a bike ride, maybe having a cookout, or whatever you can think of—it’ll help everyone in the house get their noses out of their screens for just a little while each day. You might hear some moaning and groaning at first (even from the adults) but you’ll find everyone will eventually begin to look forward to their outdoor adventures.

3. Recognize that not all screen time is created equally. What’s better: watching a movie as a family or everyone being in a separate room on their own devices? I think we all know the answer to that. If you’re going to limit screen time, be sure to consider that some screen time is better than others. For example, various studies have shown that kids who spend more time enjoying leisure activities with their families—like watching a movie together— tend to do better academically, act out less, and steer clear of violence. Plus, movie night is a great teaching opportunity. For example, let’s say you and your teenage daughters are watching Mean Girls. A movie like this may be just what your kids need to more comfortably weigh-in on topics like bullying and other pressures they face at school. It’s a great way to hear them out and keep the lines of communication open.

4. Consider each child individually. You know your kids better than anyone, which means you also realize that not everybody in your home can handle the same amount of screen time. Some kids can go for a few hours playing video games or watching a movie and come out of it without any problems. They move on and play outside as if nothing ever happened. Others struggle to separate after 10 minutes of tablet time. Understand how much each of your kids can handle and set rules that are unique to them. Is it always fair? Probably not, but it’s no different than setting a different curfew based on age, for example. Let your kids know your expectations individually and set your rules accordingly. Be sure to reward them with alternate activities, like enjoying extra time with you!

5. Model good digital behavior. If you go out to eat, chances are you’ve seen the families that stay on their phones during the entire meal. Or the parents who are engrossed in their devices as their kids sit quietly looking around for someone to talk to. We’ve all been guilty of it at one time or another. But if you want your kids to cut down on their screen time, it’s important that you model good digital habits, too. A recent survey found that while most parents say they are great role models for their kids, 78 percent admit they’re glued to their smart phones, tablets, and TVs for more than nine hours a day. Good or bad, our kids mimic just about everything we do. So, if you really want your kids to be on their screens less—it may be time to work on reducing your screen time, as well.

When trying to decide how to regulate your child’s use of technology, it can be a challenge no matter what their age. But by pre-setting screen limits using a good app, spending a little more time together as a family, and modeling good behavior—you’re well on your way to mastering the art of parenting in the age of digital technology.