SCREEN TIME: Danger Signs & Hacks

SCREEN TIME: DANGER SIGNS

Excessive Use:

Spending significantly more time on screens than recommended for a particular age group.

Physical Discomfort:

Complaints of headaches, eye strain, or discomfort during or after screen use.

Sleep Disturbances:

Difficulty falling asleep or disrupted sleep patterns due to late-night screen use.

Social Withdrawal:

Neglecting face-to-face interactions or opting for screens over socializing with friends and family.

Academic Decline:

A noticeable decline in academic performance is possibly linked to excessive screen time.

Emotional Changes:

Increased irritability, mood swings, or signs of anxiety and depression.

Lack of Interest in Other Activities:

Losing interest in hobbies, physical activities, or creative pursuits outside of screens.

Preoccupation with Screens:

Constantly thinking about or wanting to be on screens, affecting daily routines.

Unhealthy Content Consumption:

Regular exposure to age-inappropriate, violent, or explicit content.

Resistance to Limits:

Strong resistance or emotional reactions when attempts are made to set screen time limits.

SCREEN TIME HACKS

Set Clear Limits:

Establish clear and consistent rules for screen time based on age-appropriate guidelines.

Create Tech-Free Zones:

Designate specific areas (e.g., bedrooms or dining areas) as screen-free zones to promote healthier habits.

Family Screen Time:

Make certain times of the day or week dedicated to family screen activities, encouraging shared experiences.

Educational Apps and Content:

Prioritize educational apps and content to ensure screen time contributes positively to learning.

Outdoor Play Breaks:

Schedule regular breaks for outdoor play, physical activities, or walks to balance sedentary screen time.

Sleep-Friendly Screen Use:

Avoid screens at least an hour before bedtime to promote better sleep hygiene.

Parental Controls:

Use built-in device features or third-party apps to set limits and monitor content.

Model Healthy Behaviour:

Demonstrate responsible screen use, serving as a positive role model for children.

Encourage Offline Hobbies:

Foster interests beyond screens, encouraging hobbies, reading, or creative activities.

Open Communication:

Establish an open dialogue with children about healthy screen habits, addressing concerns and making

Informed decisions together:

Balancing screen time requires a proactive and mindful approach.

Monitoring for danger signs and implementing healthy screen time hacks can contribute to a more balanced and positive relationship with technology.