Focus

• Healthy screen time is about the purpose of screen time, when you use it, who uses it, and how long you use it.
• When children see you using digital technology in healthy ways, they are more likely to develop healthy habits.
• By taking breaks from screens and using them wisely, you can send a strong message about digital technology.
• When you are with your children, focus on interacting with them and minimizing distractions like cell phones.

What is healthy screen time and digital technology? A healthy approach to screen time and digital technology use is balanced and positive.

It’s about your goals for using digital technology, when you choose to use it, who you use it with, and how much time you spend using it. It’s also about incorporating healthy non-digital and digital activities into your life.

How screen time and digital technology use affect your children
Your choices about screen time and digital technology use can have a positive impact on your child’s screen use. When children see you and other role models using digital technology in a healthy and balanced way, they will develop screen time habits. You can benefit by setting aside screen-free time for your own activities and family activities, such as walking, reading, eating, and talking. When you do this, you send your child some important messages.

There are many ways to have fun, relax, and have fun, but not all of them involve digital technology.
Time with family is one of the most important ways to spend your time.
When you use digital technology, it’s important for your children to see you using it in a productive, creative, and social way. For example, you can use the device to listen to music, write, exercise, or meditate. Maybe it’s a regular video call with your family or playing online games with friends.

Here are some ideas for healthy and positive digital technology use.

The following ideas can help you model a balance of digital and non-digital activities for your children:

• Your purpose for using digital technology
• Use digital technology in creative and healthy ways – for example, creative activities like painting, healthy activities like meditation, and healthy activities like body monitoring.
  Avoid entertaining your children with screen time all the time in situations like long trips and dates. Try combining it with activities like car karaoke, letter-writing, “I’m spying,” reading, or writing.
• If you get a text message or social media post while you’re talking to someone, especially your child, wait until the conversation is over before checking it again.
• Don’t leave your phone, tablet, or laptop in your bedroom at night. Charge your devices overnight in the living room and teach your children to do the same.
• Turn off the TV during family meals, when “the TV is on in the background.” You could try listening to music.

Who are you using digital technology for?

Use digital technology to stay connected with friends or family who are far away, such as weekly video calls or online board games.
Share screen time with your children. Playing games, watching shows, creating playlists, or doing offline homework together can help you turn screen time into family time. This is a good balance for single-screen use.

How much time do you spend on digital technology?

Set aside some screen-free time each day so you can “spend time” with your kids. Maybe when your child comes home from school, when you come home from work, when you eat at home, when you watch your child play sports, when you and your child play at the park, etc.
Create a family media plan with your kids. This can include things like not using your phone while eating. So make sure you follow the guidelines in the plan!
When using digital technology, always compare and move around. And use your device at eye level to make it comfortable.

There are many ways to model healthy and balanced use of digital technology. For example, try asking your child for permission to take photos, waiting until the conversation is over before checking text messages, and using the screen for positive things like video calls.