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This comprehensive, easy to use Guide is packed with the science-based information needed to help your family use media in healthy ways.
Visit your internet provider's website or download their app for more information on parental controls and limiting internet access.
Visit your internet provider's website or download their app for more information on parental controls and limiting internet access.
Let's just start off by saying screens are great, in moderation: Facetiming, Mathletics, Raz-Kids, DIY tutorials. Screen time becomes unhealthy when your child is glued to a screen for most of the day. If your child's screen time falls outside the recommended limits for their age, you may notice concerning signs.
Screens provide our children with many ways to connect with family and friends over gaming platforms, messenger apps, facetime and video apps, but they're limited in what they can teach our children about communication skills.
Just what counts as screen time? Homework? Gaming? Cat videos? Texting?
The Family Digital Wellness Guide will give you a quick overview of your child’s stage of development and how it relates to the media they use.
Parents, we've listened. You want to get your kids off the Xbox and outside or in the kitchen making supper, but how? We've got practical tips and tools for you.
It’s easy to lose track of how much time we spend on games, messaging, streaming shows, YouTube, and endless browsing. With so many devices in our homes, it can be hard to keep track. Let them do it for you! Check out the links below to enable and look up screen time on your devices.
For step by step guides visit https://screentimelabs.com/parental-controls/
From toddlers to teens, this guide has what parents want to know: research-based guidance for raising happy, healthy children, in today’s digital environment.
From Netflix to Chromebooks, why take the time to set up parental settings? Consider unwanted or unknown influences by friends and strangers, undesired or unsolicited content, and content that is beyond the child’s maturity level.
Understanding Parental Controls From Netflix to Chromebooks, why take the time to set up parental settings? Consider unwanted or unknown influences by friends and strangers, undesired or unsolicited content, and content that is beyond the child’s maturity level.
The Ultimate Guide to Parental Controls (Android, Apple, TikTok) https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/parents-ultimate-guide-to-parental-controls
Manage your child’s screen time and bedtime on chromebooks and android https://support.google.com/families/answer/7103340?hl=en
Parental Controlson Amazon Fire tabletshttps://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/amazon-fire-parental-controls/
Kids Profile and screen time on Amazon Fire tablets https://www.trustedreviews.com/how-to/limit-kids-screen-time-amazon-fire-tablets-3944295
Browers, search engines and video sites https://mediasmarts.ca/sites/mediasmarts/files/tip-sheet/tipsheet_parental_controls_0.pdf
Shaw Parental Controls https://support.shaw.ca/t5/internet-articles/how-to-use-parental-controls-on-the-bluecurve-gateway/ta-p/4980
"When children are full with the main course, then they can have dessert. And that’s how we should treat screen time with the developmental needs of the child." - Dr. Gordon Neufeld
Did you know that you can shut off the wi-fi with the tap of a button? Set a bedtime for your children’s devices while still watching your own shows? Ground Sally from the internet while Jimmy finishes his assignment? Your internet provider has the step-by-step guide. Check them out below!
Screen Time or otherwise, meltdowns are a part of childhood. It's the moment children push against what is being asked of them or against answers they don’t like.
Sick Kids in collaboration with Youngster Video “Screen time and Tantrums… HELP!” https://youtu.be/xbfSMpyphAw
Manage your internet settings & WI-FI Did you know that you can shut off the wi-fi with the tap of a button? Set a bedtime for your children’s devices while still watching your own shows? Ground Sally from the internet while Jimmy finishes his assignment? Your internet provider has the step-by-step guide. Check them out below!
Telus https://www.telus.com/en/internet/my-wifi-app
Shaw Downtime https://support.shaw.ca/t5/internet-articles/bluecurve-home-faq-downtime-scheduler/ta-p/5291
Shaw Active Time-LImits https://support.shaw.ca/t5/internet-articles/bluecurve-home-faq-active-time-limits/ta-p/5703
Bell https://support.bell.ca/internet/connection-help/what-is-the-bell-wi-fi-app-and-how-do-i-use-it?step=4#step4
Rogers MyWifi App https://www.rogers.com/customer/support/article/mywifiapp
Xplornet https://www.xplornet.com/internet-packages/internet-essentials/xplornet-wireless-router
Tired of hearing, "Can I have my tablet?" "Five more minutes!" "Just one more episode!"? Dare I suggest you actually schedule screen time and make it part of your routine?! I am, here it goes: routines, time limits, and transitions!
Scheduling Playtime, Downtime and Family TIme https://www.challengesuccess.org/parents/pdf-tips/
One way to limit screen time and practice being more present in the moment is to establish "Screen-Free Zones." Think about what this could look like for your family. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/screen-time/how-do-screens-such-as-tv-and-smartphones-affect-my-kids-sleep
It is also recommended that screens be off at least 1 hour before bedtime as research has found that brain arousal from screens has the “potential for melatonin (sleep hormone in the brain) suppressing effects” (cps.ca/en/documents/position/screen-time-and-young-children)
Fantastic webinar by experts Tanya Mudry and Jezz Stone on the AHSChannel Check out the recording for more useful tips and awesome discussion on relational and family approaches to managing the increased use of screens/digital devices.
One of the biggest question from parents? How do I deal with the meltdowns and tantrums when I start to set new limits on screen time?
Fishing is a fun way for friends and family to practice mindfulness and to connect with some of Alberta’s greatest natural resources - our lakes, rivers, streams and the fish that live in them. During Family Fishing Weekends fishing regulations still apply. https://mywildalberta.ca/fishing/family-fishing-weekends/default.aspx
Did you know that the library has activity Kits to Go! This includes crafts, cooking, storytime, games and musical instruments! https://www.rdpl.org/programs/KitsToGo
Structured (ex: sports, board games, etc.) and unstructured (ex: sandbox, lego, etc.) play builds many essential life skills. These include: team work, empathy, communication, creativity, self expression, self confidence, negotiation, self reliance, social interaction, following rules, goal setting, fine and gross motor skills, problem solving and executive functioning (including: memory, focus, and learning from failure).
Modelling Good Screen time Habits Take time to model good screen-time habits and vocalize your efforts. "I am putting my phone aside to listen to you."
Our bodies aren’t meant to run full tilt all the time. We need to practice slowing down. Reading has been shown to put our brains into a pleasurable trance-like state, similar to meditation, and it brings the same health benefits of deep relaxation and inner calm. Regular readers sleep better, have lower stress levels, higher self-esteem, and lower rates of depression than non-readers.” - The New Yorker
Some potential positive effects of decreasing screen time: increased physical movement, more play/creativity/exploration, and stronger family connection.
During Family Fishing Weekends, Albertans and visitors are encouraged to give fishing a try on water bodies with open fishing seasons without having to purchase a sportfishing licence. Fishing regulations always apply.
Model healthy screen time habits, increase play time (together and independent), engage children in age appropriate chores, find activities that sparks passion and joy, and remember: it’s OK to be bored!!
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