Five practical tips to help parents guide their children's online behaviour in a world where screens are omnipresent. How many of these do you use?

Imagine what we all would have done during COVID-19 if we did not have screens. Today, technology is an integral part of our daily lives. The digital world offers learning, connecting, and entertaining opportunities from smartphones to tablets, laptops to gaming consoles.

Technology can be helpful in some ways, but knowing how it may adversely impact kids' physical and mental health and overall growth is essential. As parents, we need to help our children develop healthy screen habits to help them thrive. Here are five valuable tips that will help parents navigate the digital world and help their children have an enjoyable experience with screens:

1. Establishing clear rules and boundaries

Set rules for daily screen time, such as specific times and places to use screens. For example, once your teen finishes the chores or is done with homework, they will get screen for a particular time. You can even have a family movie time during the weekend to learn more about your child's world.  It is essential to follow these rules the same way every time. 

2. Establishing Tech-Free Zones

Have a screen-free zone in your home. Your bedroom and dining area should especially be free from technology. It is essential to have family time to get to know each other, talk without interruptions, and rest without screens constantly getting in the way. Encourage your teens to do things differently than using technology. They can read, play board games, or start a new hobby.

3. Recognizing Your Child's Interest in Games and Screens

Recognize and value your child's natural interest in computers and games. Instead of ignoring their interest, try talking to them about it to learn more about their best games, apps, or online activities. Show that you are genuinely interested in their digital life. Ask them about their experiences, and let them know about your worries about the possible downsides. By determining their interest, you can help them make intelligent decisions and develop healthy screen habits.

4. Promoting a Balanced Approach to Screen Time

To give your children a well-rounded experience, ensure they do various things daily. It's good to support a balance of screen-based activities like educational apps, art projects, and fun games, as well as activities that they are away from the screen, like sports, arts and crafts, and hanging out with friends and highlighting the significance of balance and diversity to avoid excessive dependence on screens and encourage balanced growth.

5. Promoting Face-to-Face Interactions Over Online Friendships

Emphasize the value of face-to-face interactions and real-life connections over internet friends. Spending valuable time with family, friends, and loved ones is essential. Your child will feel more connected and like they belong if they participate in group activities and neighbourhood events. Building genuine connections and social skills beyond the internet will help your children to understand life much better.

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Parents need to be proactive and give thoughtful advice to help their kids develop good screen habits to navigate the digital world successfully. Parents can give their children the tools they need to have a healthy, balanced relationship with screens that is good for their overall health and growth. Setting clear limits, making tech-free zones, recognizing their interests, balancing their screen time, and having more face-to-face interactions than reel friendships will surely be a game changer.

You can help your teen develop good tech habits and feel comfortable in the digital world by using these tips and staying involved in their digital life. Remember that the goal is not to completely deprive them of screens. Instead, it is to help them navigate, so let them enjoy the pros while being aware of the cons.

Let's give our kids the tools they need to succeed in the modern world.

Article Authored By

Lavina Pandit

Lavina is a parent coach and passionate about counselling children. She is working with single parents in India to empower them.

Lavina is currently working on building a support network for single parents through her upcoming website Rooting You.

Disclaimer: This article has been written by a guest author as part of a mental wellbeing awareness campaign. You are advised to properly verify any advice given with qualified practitioners before following it. Also, for that reason it may not meet our usual standards. PsychoTech Services, Psychology Learners or any of its partner organisations, members or employees cannot be held liable for any damage or loss caused due to following the advice and recommendations given herein.