By: Sofia Avery
Consultant | Researcher
Digital Content & Media
As technology continues to evolve and become more and more present in our daily lives, it’s important to teach our younger generations how to use screen time effectively. Whilst there are multiple creative, educational and social benefits to using technology, it can be all too easy to fall into bad habits. For example, overindulging in the more passive screen time pursuits like binge watching TV shows or mindlessly scrolling through social media can have negative consequences.
For parents and carers, it can be really challenging to know how much they should limit their children’s exposure to screens – especially as they can become so attached to them. As this well-researched resource from My Tutor explains, if your teen is having a meltdown when they are separated from their phone, they may be struggling to find a healthy balance. This guide also helps parents understand positive ways to allow children and teenagers the freedom to stay on-trend with their tech, whilst still protecting their mental health.
Setting a good example by having phone-free zones around the house, such as the dinner table, can help you find a healthy balance as a family. Some parents find setting time limits helps their kids to stay aware of their time on screens, and having conversations with them about how they feel before, during and after they use their phones or tablets can also help them learn to be more mindful of its effects on their mood.
From understanding the difference between healthy and unhealthy screen time usage, to advice on recognizing the signs that your teen may be suffering from the negative effects of social media, this guide outlines everything a responsible parent needs to know when it comes to their children and tech.
By: Sofia Avery
Consultant | Researcher
Digital Content & Media
Other Ways to Connect
We hope you enjoyed this article on the screen time diet. What are your thoughts on the subject? Please connect with us on Facebook and Instagram and let us know!
If you would like to learn more about upcoming events, sign up to receive our quarterly newsletter here.
Check out some of our other blog posts here, for tips and tricks for single parents, budget hacks, inspiration and more information about what we do here at SPARC Hope.