How to Reduce Screen Time? Screen-Free Routine for Kids

Are you a parent who is struggling to make their kid eat their meal happily without being glued to a screen? Or getting your teen to hang out with their friends without checking Instagram reels or being plugged into video games or computers? Need help to remember? Welcome to the world of screens that steal everyone's time, even your kids and it eventually turns into parents' scream time.

We, as parents or caregivers, are perturbed by kids' addiction to social media and screens and are constantly looking at ways to reduce screen time. Well, fret no more, and continue to read as we share with you some practical and fun ways to regulate it.

Why Parents Need To Limit Screen Time For Kids?

Firstly, let us begin by understanding what screen time is. The time spent scrolling through shorts or reels, listening to rhymes on mobile phones or T.V., checking social media, texting, video calling on smartphones, playing on video game consoles, reading e-books on Kindle and carrying out research on tablets or computers are all referred to as screen time. 

Due to excessive screen time, kids now prefer the digital world over the real one and prefer making and connecting with friends virtually rather than in the physical one. If we as parents do not limit their screen at a young age, then it can have some adverse physical, psychological and developmental effects, such as:

1) Urge To Be Constantly Entertained: Early on, being exposed to a world of colourful images, different characters, sounds and music that are engaging and entertaining, kids look and crave the same stimulus and get unruly or easily bored if it is taken away.

2) Delayed Speech: The part of the brain that builds language capability gets suppressed by excessive screen time, making it difficult for babies to learn words and pick language skills.

3) Concentration Troubles: Switching from one channel to another, moving from one nursery rhyme to another, and rapidly moving through characters on the screen inhibits the brain's ability to develop sustained focus. All this leads to difficulty in maintaining focus and attention.

4) Aggressive Behaviour: Watching content that is not age-appropriate, abrasive and violent may affect their vocabulary, and their reactions may become insensitive and harsh.

5) Obesity: Lack of physical activity and binging on unhealthy mindless snacks while sitting for long durations in front of screens may lead to health issues and obesity.

So, the next time you hand over your phone to your little cranky kiddo to get them off your back for some peace time, think again: is that right? 

Recommended Screen Time Limit For Kids:

Let us now take a look at age-wise appropriate screen time or limited screen time for a child:

• 0-18 months: There should be no screen time, except for video calls with family.
• 18 to 24 months: Limit screen time up to an hour a day, watching educational and sensory content under supervision.
• 2 to 5 years: A maximum of 90 minutes a day, viewing age-appropriate content, limiting the time spent on non-educational programs. This is the right age to Introduce them to the fascinating world of sprinkles and glitter with Skillmatic’s greeting card making kit and princess poke art kit. They provide endless fun and will stimulate their curious and imaginative minds. 
•  6 to 17 years: No defined limit, but should be moderate. Emphasize the importance of a balanced approach. Allocate time for studies, physical activity, hobbies and interests. A great way to engage them is through arts and crafts activities with Skillmatic’s ceramic painting kit and rock painting kit, designed to stimulate their creative minds. 
  
  

How Screen-Free Routine Helps In Kids' Development And Growth?

Reducing your child’s screen time will play a significant role in their overall development. Here is how:

• Cognitive Growth: Without screens kids would rely on imaginative play, getting to explore their creative and imaginative sensibilities. Engaging them in arts and crafts activities, pretend-play games, puzzles, and Kids board games and encouraging them to read will help improve their attention span and rightly stimulate their young impressionable minds. 
• Build Physical Strength: Kids would no longer be sedentary and indulge in some active play or pick up interest in sports. This would improve their motor skills and be physically fit.
• Develop Social Skills: Playing with other kids, and engaging themselves in activities like Skillmatic’s Peppa Pig floor puzzle, India Trivia cards game for kids or entrepreneurship board game, or group tasks will teach kids how to handle winning, losing, and cooperating with others.
• Improve Family Bonds: Screen-free time would inspire children to communicate, and engage in activities like cooking, solving puzzles or playing board games, fostering memorable interactions and building strong emotional bonds with one another.
• Improved Sleep: Reducing screen time, especially before bedtime, will curtail exposure to blue light and improve the quality of sleep.

It is wisely said that a screen-fed mind leaves no room for creativity to thrive. The moment your child is off screens; you find them blossoming into becoming self-reliant, confident and expressive individuals.

Tips To Plan Screen-Free Routine For Kids:

To encourage screen-free time, look for alternative ways to connect and engage with your kids. This can help divert their attention and eventually contribute to their personal growth and development. Let us take a look at some tips:

• Communicate: Don't undermine the power of communication; communicate your intention to your kid and see the tantrums convert to triumphs.
• Set Screen time limits: Build a screen schedule involving your child and keep a gap of an hour before your child's bedtime, as screens can interfere with your child's sleep cycles, and the viewed content may make it difficult for them to get sound sleep.
• Out of sight – out of mind: When not in use, unplug, cover, and keep away the video console, tabs, and computers so that kids don't get lured into using them.
• Supervise and connect: During your child's designated screen time, ensure it is in a zone where you can monitor and, in between, engage with them and ask them questions. This would help to stimulate the language centres, which get passive during screen time.

Remember, all this can be successful only if you have complete buy-in from your little wonder buddy, or tantrums and tempers would run high, and things would turn up going south.

Conclusion 

There is a beautiful world beyond screens waiting to be explored. We need to embark on this journey of self-discovery along with our child for it to be permanent and effective. Step away from your phone or laptop and have some fun. Challenge yourself and your child with screen-free hours or days and utilize that time to connect, converse, explore hobbies, play and make everlasting memories.

Lastly, indulging in fun activities along with them like solving puzzles, playing board games, cards, and arts and crafts activities will create memorable moments, and develop their skills, while keeping them away from screens. Next time you think of buying engaging educational toys and games for your little ones, check out Skillmatics' myriad range of educational toys thoughtfully designed to boost your child’s cognitive development and learning potential.

FAQ

How do I detox my child from screen time?

It is best to take small steps in your endeavour to reduce your child’s screen time or else it will lead to a lot of unpleasantness. Spend time and explore alternatives like outdoor activities, playing educational games, and bonding over a common interest. Set clear boundaries and be consistent in your routines.

How much screen time is OK for kids?

For kids between the ages of 2 to 5, it is advisable to restrict their screen time to an hour per day. For older children, it is best to set a limit amicably based on their requirements.

What happens to kids with too much screen time?

Too much of anything always has an adverse effect. Excessive screen time can have a physical and psychological impact on a growing child. It may lead to learning difficulties and make them lazy and inactive.

What if my child resists a screen-free routine?

In such scenarios, it is essential to be extremely patient with them. Engage and involve them in choosing screen-free activities. Lead by example and your consistent efforts will definitely help reinforce positive outcomes.