

You could offer to help – for example, you might say, ‘Ali, it’s time to stop using the computer now.

#Screen time manager tv
For example, ‘Sam, it’s time to switch the TV off at the end of the program’, or ‘Sam, you have 10 more minutes on the tablet’.

Set your child’s expectations about a screen time session before the session starts.Planning transitions to other activities can make things easier. Your child might find it hard to stop watching TV or playing on the tablet, especially if they’re having a good time. For example, if you don’t want your child to use digital technology in the car, you might have a car routine that involves listening to music or family-friendly podcasts or playing ‘I spy’. Routines can also help you minimise conflict about screen time. Or your routine might include just one program before dinner, or whatever suits your family. You might decide your child can watch TV or use the tablet, but only between 5 and 6 pm. This means routines can help you build screen time and digital technology use into your family life in a way that suits you and your family.įor example, if you want to put limits on screen time, you can make this part of a routine. Routines help children know what to do, when and how often. For example, the consequence for using the tablet without asking might be no tablet for a day. You can discuss and agree on some consequences for these situations with your child. For example, your child might play on the tablet without asking first. Sometimes your child might break the rules you’ve agreed on. This helps you ensure the rules are still meeting everyone’s needs. It’s a good idea to revisit the rules every few months and whenever you introduce a new device into your home. The rules also need to take into account changing needs and interests as your child grows. Your rules should be flexible enough to cover school days, weekends and holidays. It’s important to involve all family members when you’re making family rules about screen time. How can your child use digital technology? For example, to play a puzzle app or make animations but not to watch YouTube videos?.Where can your child use digital technology? For example, in family rooms but not bedrooms?.When can your child use digital technology? For example, not until after homework, or not during mealtimes? Do children need to ask you first?.Do you want guidelines about screen time hours? What about weekends, holidays and tech-free days?.Here are some questions to help you negotiate screen time in your family: And for older children, you could make these rules part of a formal agreement that you and your child discuss, negotiate and sign.

For very young children, it’s a good idea to keep the rules simple and brief. For children aged 3-11 years, these strategies might include:įamily rules for screen time and digital technology useįamily rules about screen time and digital technology use can help your child understand your family’s limits and expectations. To achieve this, you might need some strategies for managing screen time. Screen time and digital technology use can be part of a healthy lifestyle for children when they balance these things with other activities. Strategies for managing screen time and digital technology use
