Do your kids seem super cranky after screen time?! Mine too!
Research suggests certain types of screen time can cause short-term deficits in executive functioning skills like memory, attention, and SELF REGULATION.
It’s not always realistic in today’s world to eliminate screen time.
What we CAN do is help to minimize the effect of regulation.
1. Combine regulating sensory input with screen time.
Allowing your child to participate in other “sensory engaging” activities while viewing screens does two things:
- helps calm and organize the nervous system through proprioceptive input
- helps to keep their body in the “here and now” to make transitioning out of the fantasy land that screen time creates easier.
IDEAS: bounce on a Yoga Ball, resistance band on your legs, play with play dough or stress ball, and balance on a wobble board.
2. Use a Timer and help to ease the transition:
Getting in the habit of using a timer is vitally important to setting clear boundaries with screen time.
If your child is younger- try using an old-school hourglass or a wind-up timer to provide a visual reference for time passing.
Sit down with your child about 5 minutes before the timer is up and help to bring them back to reality by bringing awareness to the senses– ask questions about the show, offer them a cold drink, hold their hand,
comment on something you see in the room or outside the window.
3. Watch on a television- not a tablet
Having your child view screens the “old school” way on a family TV allows you to more closely monitor what your child is watching and be more cognizant of time spent.
Also, “co-watching” and creating dialogue like “How do you think Anna feels about Ĕlsa leaving?” helps to build their emotional vocab, sparks connection, and helps bring them back to “reality”.
It is also worth noting that children with sensory processing difficulties may become more easily “Tranced” by having the iPad closer to their face and with the tactile satisfaction of swiping.
4. Be more selective with the content
Shows with bright colors, loud noises, and rapid screen/scene changes can be overstimulating and usually have little educational content.
Shows like Daniel Tiger that intentionally have more muted colors and less loud noises can help with the “overstimulation” effect.
Also watching networks that rapidly transition content such as YouTube can have a negative impact on attention span and regulation. Networks like PBS that have a definitive beginning and end to their shows might mitigate this effect.
5. Model Healthy Screen Time Use
This can be challenging, especially if you work from your phone- here are some tips:
- Set screen time “goals” for yourself the same way you set them for your child
- Set “device-free” times and zones- if you are working from your phone try to do it in a designated “work” area.
- Turn off notifications for “unnecessary” distractions like social media.
- Have family movie nights- watch and listen with your kids, have conversations about what’s happening or what they think will happen next- use it as a time to connect.
We have our parenting woes and guilt relating to screen time.
📳We are the first generation of parents to navigate these uncharted waters of tablets, YouTube, and social media, and our children have an alternate reality at their fingertips.
💬It is a learning process for all of us and I am in the trenches with you! If you have anything that’s worked for your family or recommendations for shows please share in the comments!
⏰I was hesitant to give a suggested “amount” of screen time because I think it’s a personal decision and everyone should do their research.
However, here are some helpful studies and resources:
https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/138/5/e20162591/60503/Media-and-Young-Minds