Early years expert explains why screen time is bad for kids

Technology has become a key part of everyday life for all ages, but it appears parents are wanting to know just how much screen time their kids should have with online searches for “how much screen time for kids” and “how to reduce screen time for kids” rising by 5,000%+ in the last month alone. 

Early years experts at EDURINO can reveal that children in the UK spend approximately 2,300* hours looking at screens each year – equating to 96 full days.

But exactly how much screen time is too much? On average, the WHO recommends no screen time at all for children aged 0-2, with 1 hour of screen time for 2-5 year olds, and 2 hours for 5-17 year olds.

Brigid Shine, EYFS teacher from EDURINO commented: “Not all screen time is built equally, as passive screen time, such as social media scrolling and auto playing videos, encourages your children to consume content through mindless repetitive and passively absorbing information. 

This can actually overload the brain and disrupt your attention span – not something a child needs in these important stages of their lives. Active, or mindful, screen time, is actually beneficial to children, helping them develop important life skills for problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. These would be activities and interactive entertainment that encourage children to interact and create, thus engaging their cognitive skills and boosting their mood.”

As parents will know, every child is different. To help parents limit their child’s passive screen time and set healthier habits ahead of the Christmas holidays and New Year, the team at Edurino offer their 5 top tips. See below:

Set a screen time curfew

It’s recommended by health experts to have a screen-free bedtime routine at least 30 minutes before you sleep. This helps to switch off your brain for increased relaxation, allowing you to sleep easier and better.

As such, EDURINO recommends setting a bedtime screen time curfew for your child. One hour before bed is the absolute minimum for a child, but any earlier is more than recommended for a good night sleep.

Make sure you’re clear and consistent about the time screens need to be away, and consider implementing this gradually if it’s not something you practise already – or try to swap screen time for some reading before bed. This will minimise tantrums or upset as they won’t feel that they are suddenly being restricted.

Use apps with a downtime schedule

Many children’s apps come with a downtime schedule option, which essentially blocks your child from playing any games during certain time periods you set. This can be especially useful at night time (especially if your child tries to take their phone or tablet to bed with them).

If your child has apps that don’t allow this option, use parental controls to monitor and control your child’s screen time usage.

Create tech-free times

As a parent, it’s your role to set the rules, and as hard as it can be for our techy children, it’s important to create healthy boundaries from screens.

Enforce tech-free times when your family is together, such as days out, meal times, or even during the weekly food shop, and make it clear that this is a time for socialising, not playing.

Try setting your children a task, such as putting items in the trolley in the local supermarket, for example. Encourage them to participate in everyday activities to prevent them from staring at a screen.

It’s important to lead by example for these times, as if you’re on your phone, your child will wonder why they can’t be as well.

Go outside

It may seem simple, but being in the great outdoors is one of the simplest ways to disengage from screens. Being outside releases endorphins, which boosts happiness, mood, and physical health.

Spend time with your children outside and plan family outdoor activities when you can, or if your child is a little bit older and wiser, encourage them to play outside with their friends. This way, screen time isn’t on their minds, and they get fresh air as well as a fresh mind.

Be realistic

Finally, be realistic with your limits. If you’re starting to enforce these rules on a child with a high screen time, you can expect a pushback or two. Start to introduce these rules gradually, and increase them when you can.

If your child does take a dislike to this, there are a few ways you can try to calm them:

• Acknowledge their feelings, and let them know you understand, but there are better things they can do with their time.
• Try to redirect their time with other activities, such as active screen time, educational learning, or a fun family game.
• Take your child to a quiet space for them to calm down.

And remember, as always, set an example. Children learn many things from their parents in their early years – words, mannerisms, and actions. Show your children the importance of socialising and being present, and they will follow your lead.

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