With schools closed and social distancing in full effect, the usual screen time limits have gone out the window for most families. We are all using electronics to connect with work, school, relatives, and friends, and as our primary source of entertainment and information. It’s not surprising that screen use has increased dramatically for everyone.
But just because you and your kids are using screens more often doesn’t mean that your family should not have any screen time rules or limits right now. Instead, it’s time to revise your old rules and establish new limits that meet your family’s current needs.
Even during this unique and stressful time, it is important for kids to have clear screen time rules and boundaries. Studies have shown that excessive screen use is associated with sleep problems, over-eating, lack of physical activity, and (for some children, especially those with ADHD) problems with mood, anxiety, and behavioral outbursts.
On top of this, unmonitored internet use increases your child’s risk of exposure to content that isn’t age-appropriate. When life returns to normal and you need to set limits again, the amount of resistance you get from your child could be extreme if they have adapted to the lack of screen limits at home.
Creating a plan for managing screen time can be done in five steps:
Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers.
Huntington Learning Center is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com.
This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.