Technology is such a vital part of your child's future.  With it, the possibilities are endless.  However, research shows that too much screen time has negative effects on children.  There is a huge difference between using technology for CREATION versus CONSUMPTION.  While consumption on a device is necessary and has its role, the majority of device time should be focused on creation.  However, children need to be taught how to use technology to create.  If left on their own with devices they will usually consume....for hours on end.

A 2015 Pew Research Center study reports that 92 percent of 13 to 17-year olds go online daily, which isn’t too shocking, when we consider our own computer, tablet and smartphone usage.

Here’s where things get scary: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that children ages 8 to 10 spend an average of 6 hours per day in front of a screen, kids ages 11 to 14 spend an average of 9 hours per day in front of a screen, and youth ages 15 to 18 spend an average of 7.5 hours per day in front of a screen. 

That is a LOT of screen time!  What can we, as adults, do to help limit screen time?

Have Tech-Free Zones - Whether at home or school, there are certain places that should be set as tech-free!  Think of the lunch/dinner table as an example.  There are great conversations to be had here that are missed completely if faces are planted in screens.  Children need the face-to-face interactions happening with others (friends and/or family) at these tables.

Nightly Routines - Plan to recharge all devices overnight...and do so outside of bedrooms.  This will prevent your child from being tempted to get back on his/her device "for just a moment" which turns into longer; often disrupting sleep time.

Not an Emotional Pacifier - It is so easy to use devices to calm and quiet children, but while this is a short-term fix, in the long run this is limiting children from learning how to calm themselves, appreciate quiet time, and learn to manage their own boredom.  

Check out more tips in this article - https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/Tips-for-Parents-Digital-Age.aspx

Ready to set some family goals involving screen time?  Use this page to help!

Remember - WE (as adults) are role models.  Our children are looking to us for examples of how to act and what to do.  So, let's put our devices down when we are spending time with them.  They deserve those moments with us....they're fleeting!