Today's blog on How to Balance Screen Time in Learning by Guiding Guru... Mr. Sahib Sachdeva (PGT Physics)

 

Tips to help Balance Screen time and Learning

It’s safe to say that 2020 solidified the presence of screen time as an essential part of the education system in many countries around the world. While technology usage in schools has been increasing for many years, the global pandemic helped to make it an integral part of everyday classroom life, from remote learning tools to great educational apps that help children learn in new, exciting ways. 

And while devices have become an indispensable tool for parents, teachers and children alike, it’s hard to shake off the creeping sensation that it’s becoming more and more difficult to manage time in front of screens, whether it’s educational or not. Excessive screen time doesn’t just affect children: the whole family can benefit from screen-time management strategies, helping create a balance between work and life, and the technology we use in both situations. So how can you make it work?

Parenting tips

It’s safe to say that 2020 solidified the presence of screen time as an essential part of the education system in many countries around the world. While technology usage in schools has been increasing for many years, the global pandemic helped to make it an integral part of everyday classroom life, from remote learning tools to great educational apps that help children learn in new, exciting ways. 

And while devices have become an indispensable tool for parents, teachers and children alike, it’s hard to shake off the creeping sensation that it’s becoming more and more difficult to manage time in front of screens, whether it’s educational or not. Excessive screen time doesn’t just affect children: the whole family can benefit from screen-time management strategies, helping create a balance between work and life, and the technology we use in both situations. So how can you make it work? Try these tips to help balance screen time and learning, designed to help your family develop healthy digital habits and make the most of technology together. 

1. Determine when, where and how screens are used

Creating a screen time routine based on your child’s age can be a useful tool for parents, while also helping children understand their own digital limits. When developing your family’s screen time routine, consider the times your children can use technology, the places they are able to access screens, and what they are able to use devices for. If you want to avoid setting timers and constant clock checking for when your kids can access certain devices, you may want to use a parental control tool to help set screen-free times of day – this way you can program a schedule ahead of time, and concentrate on your family moments!

2. Be selective about TV and video content

Many of us love to learn new things through TV programs and YouTube, and video content can certainly be a useful tool when it comes to digesting information and exploring new topics. But how much of the content uploaded to “educational” YouTube channels is really oriented to learning? While education has its very own category on the platform, regulation of the individual videos is difficult, which means much of the content under the category is not particularly educational in nature, and in some cases, the information detailed in them could be inaccurate. 

3. Set breaks for screen-free moments or activities

Spending hours in front of screens with no break can affect focus, sleep quality, and put strain on your child’s eyes, especially if they have to concentrate on schoolwork for a long period of time. To help your child balance screen time and learning, it’s better to take short breaks, such as 5-10 minute ones every hour, than to rest for a longer period after several hours of consecutive screen time. Try to help your kids find a natural break in their schoolwork to get up, go grab a glass of water, take a quick walk outside, or anything else that helps them disconnect and refocus. 

4. Avoid screen time before bed

It’s no secret that screens have an effect on sleep, but with so many devices, from video consoles to smart TVs, in the family home it can be difficult to switch off in the hours leading up to bed. The problem with screens is that they emit blue light, which affects the body’s natural production of melatonin – the hormone that signals to us it’s time for sleep mode to be turned on. Kids need a good night’s rest in order to be ready for the day ahead, so help them to properly wind down and get better quality sleep by keeping screens switched off up to an hour before bedtime

5. Manage your expectations of technology

The more we navigate our connected world, the more it becomes apparent that screen time is inevitable. Rather than focusing on the complete limitation of screen time, take steps to promote healthy digital habits as a family, and embrace the positive side of technology together. Kids also learn from what they see, so being a good role model when it comes to technology will help them understand what’s expected of them, too. 

Help your child to balance screen time and learning with other important activities, offering up other ways to learn and grow which don’t depend on technology, such as reading books or playing board games as a family. Like everything else in life, a healthy relationship begins with moderation – and screen time is no exception.