During the summer holidays, you might be sighing with relief at having a break from the daily routine involved with getting your child(ren) prepared every day and out the door each morning on time. However, you may instead be sighing with frustration at the thought of having to entertain your child for the next weeks.
It is all too easy to use electronics as a babysitter to fill the time. When you are 30,000 feet in the air sitting in an aeroplane for 12 hours, then you silently thank Apple multiple times for creating the awesome iPad. However, the same gadget of technological genius becomes a different thing altogether when your child is bored at home.
"There is a well-established literature showing the adverse effects of screen experience on the cognitive development of children under three, and the US Paediatric Association for example has recommended no screen time before this age.”
Prof Lynne Murray
Developmental psychopathology expert
University of Reading
Studies show that children learn the most when interacting with adults and other children, not when using a mobile device or watching television. In fact, screen time can undermine learning for babies and young children.
- Screen time for children under three is linked to delayed language acquisition.
- The more time preschool children spend with screens, the less time they spend engaged in creative play (the foundation of learning), constructive problem solving, and creativity.
- For babies and preschool children, time with screens is negatively correlated with time spent interacting with parents–which is essential for learning. Even when parents co-view, they spend less time talking to their children than when they’re engaged in activities such as reading or hands-on play with children.
- There is no credible evidence that any type of screen time is beneficial to babies and toddlers and some evidence that it may be harmful.
(http://www.screenfree.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/screentimefs.pdf)
In order to avoid the summer temptation to use television and mobile devices for entertainment, here are five top tips for reducing summer screen time:
1. Set a Good Example
You need to be a positive role model and limit your screen time too. If older children see you following your own rules, then they will be more likely to do the same. If younger children see parents on mobile devices, then they will want to use one too.
2. Find Alternative Activities
Sit down as a family and write a list of activities you want to achieve individually and as a family over the holidays. If children are focussed and have some alternative activities, they will not view electronics as their first option, and if they do, you can remind them of their list! Provide exciting non-tech options in your child's life. Instead of trying to remove current media, continue to enrich her playtime with new, concrete, interesting alternatives. Use these summer days to interact and play games, sports and explore the outdoors. Indoor activities can include arts and crafts, family board games and reading books together.
3. Set Rules
Decide when your child is allowed their electronics. With younger children, iPads are super for travel, but are they really needed during a holiday? Put them away, out of site and children will be less likely to ask for them. Older children might want more time on their electronics, so it is important for them to know when they are allowed on them and when not to ask to use them. Television and electronics should not be seen as rewards or punishments, this make them seem even more important to children.
4. Create Boundaries
When electronics are allowed, set firm boundaries with regard to usage and how long they are allowed to use them for. If older children are aware of time limits, this should encourage them to seek out other activities once the time limit is up. For younger children, set a short timer and when it rings they know their time is up for the day. Stick with it and soon you will see that they are able to regulate the time themselves. Form good habits with young children that will stay with them.
5. Make It Educational and Creative
When children are allowed screen time, think about how they use it. How about asking older children to make an iMovie of their holiday pictures or do some research on a destination and create a presentation. Younger children could create a Minecraft holiday destination or they could draw pictures of things they did during the holiday and create a collage. Focus on context by being aware of what is happening before, during and after children play games or watch shows, taking time to talk about what they’ve seen, and play some games together. The experts also suggest that the quality of the media your child is exposed to is more important than the platform.
(
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/children-and-tv/art-20047952)
The holidays are a time for children to enjoy themselves, and whilst most children are happy to sit and play on their electronics, it is important to use the holidays wisely, making memories and spending time with family and friends, having new experiences and developing independence.
This article is adapted from an article of the same title by Victoria Doamekpor, Stanley Housemaster / Head of Prep ICT,Wellington College International Shanghai.
