There is no denying that screens have taken over our lives. Adults spend most of their days on their phone or computer, working or interacting with other adults. Teenagers are forever on their video games and Facebook pages. Even children are spending more time with tablets and screens than they ever have before. The year of the pandemic has not made this any easier, as parents are more willing to “give in” and let their children be occupied in whatever way that works.
However, screen time can be harmful for children, and they are in front of them way more than they should be. According to SoCal Mental Wellness, parents are trying to figure out how to handle all the screen time their children watch. The best thing that mom can do is notice when her child has had enough and to intervene by offering them a different activity that does not involve screens.
Children will send out signals that they have had enough, and it is never going to be them saying that they need a break. Instead, mom needs to look for other emotional cues that their child needs to back away from the screen for just a moment or two.
Look For Signs Of Overstimulation
When a child gets too much screen time, they are likely to get overstimulated and that is not good. It is also one of the first signs that children have had too much. If mom finds that her child can not sit till for very long or seems to be “shutting down” than that is a cue that they need something else to project their energy on.
Easily Frustrated
According to Use Boomerang, if your child particularly enjoys video games, there are specific things that mom can look out for. If her child seems to be getting easily frustrated by the game they are playing, they need to put it down for a bit.
Have your child go outside or do some chores and let them take a break. They are not going to realize that their frustration is because they need a break, which is why they need us. Adults can have the same problem with frustrations at work or parenting, and all they need is a bit to cool down.
Addiction Signs
Screens can easily become an addiction without an intervention from mom and dad. What is important is to look out for the signs that an addiction is forming and try and nip it before it gets out of hand. If your child can not go anywhere without their phone, tablet or handheld gaming system in their hand, then they are starting to identify themselves with it and it is time to put it on the shelf for a while. If they resist you taking it away, and start yelling and crying, that only means they need the break that much more.
Listen To Their Expressions
When anyone is emotionally attached to something, it is all they talk about, according to Todays Parent. When your child is not on their screen, pay attention to what they are talking about. If all they can talk about is what is happening in their game or wondering what their favorite YouTube creator is going to do next, this is a cue that they need a break. They need to be reconnected with other hobbies they have, like reading or doing a puzzle.
Makes Them Happy
Of course screens make our children happy, they are fun and entertaining. That is not generally an issue, because our phones and TV’s make us happy too. However, if your child has a hard day at school or is in a bad mood and they need a TV or a screen to put them in a better mood, that is red flag. Screens should not be the only thing that can bring your child happiness. It may be time to introduce them to other outlets to improve their mood. Writing in a journal or going for a walk are great ways to improve their mood and they are much better for their health.
Screens are a big part of everyone’s lives right now, and while it is impossible to take them out of our child’s lives, it is important that we teach them how to live with them instead of living by them. This is important to their health and wellbeing.
Sources: Todays Parent, SoCal Mental Wellness, Use Boomerang