For many children, screen time has likely increased in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Children and families have become increasingly reliant on screens for online learning, entertainment and social interaction (i.e. through websites and apps).
For many families, screens have become a powerful platform to cope with the disruptions to everyday life during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Be mindful of your family’s screen time
Total elimination of screen use is challenging, particularly while physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
You may experience guilt and shame regarding your children’s screen use during this unsettling and challenging time. Do your best to limit excessive screen use (and related negative behaviours) and encourage more active play throughout the day. It’s OK if your family’s screen time is a bit higher than usual.
A different approach to responsible screen use
As a result of public health recommendations for isolation and physical distancing, many children likely:
- spend less time outdoors
- spend less time being physically active
- have increased screen time
- have longer sleep times
There are many ways that you can promote healthy movement behaviours in your child during this time. Look for new ways to reduce the harms associated with screen use without giving up screen time completely.
Quitting usage all at once rarely works. For screen use, parents and children should be empowered to make choices that minimize harms through non-judgmental strategies. This approach may increase knowledge and strengthen skills regarding healthful screen use to support wellbeing.
If you are considering limiting your child’s screen use during COVID-19, consider the following three principles:
- Screen use may be difficult to avoid, especially if you or your children rely on it for learning, work or social interaction. Try to incorporate practical ways of reducing long periods of screen use throughout the day, such as active play or exercise breaks. Do what works best for your family.
- Avoid passing judgement on your screen use decisions. Be understanding and empathetic instead.
- Focus on reducing the risk of negative consequences of poor quality and excessive screen use, instead of focusing on screen use altogether.
Low-risk screen use recommendations
Consider the following low risk and positive-parent approaches to help your family navigate screen use during COVID-19 and beyond:
- Set healthy daily routines, including screens.
- Promote healthful screen use, including enabling social interaction with family and friends via video-conferencing, online education and new skill acquisition opportunities.
- Adopt screen-free playtime while interacting or playing with your young children.
- Monitor your personal screen use in front of your children.
- Be aware of your child’s screen use content and encourage co-viewing (watching together) when possible.
- Prioritize screen-free times, including meals and bedtimes.
- Incorporate movement while using screens (e.g., exergaming, standing while using hand-held screens, live or online workouts, etc.).