How much screen time for kids?
Posted by: Stuart31314627
5th Jun 2024 12:35am
I have two boys around 10 years old, and there's a big gap in the daily hours of time their friends spend in front of screens. What do parents allow on average? Any tips for helping to reduce the hours?
You must be a member to reply to this chat topic. Click here to sign in.
Help Caféstudy members by responding to their questions, or ask your own in Café Chat, and you will get the chance of earning extra rewards. Caféstudy will match these and donate equally to our two chosen Australian charities.
Australian Marine Conservation Society are an independent charity, staffed by a committed group of scientists, educators and passionate advocates who have defended Australia’s oceans for over 50 years.
ReachOut is the most accessed online mental health service for young people and their parents in Australia. Their trusted self-help information, peer-support program and referral tools save lives by helping young people be well and stay well. The information they offer parents makes it easier for them to help their teenagers, too.
Challenge Challenge is a not-for-profit organisation that supports children and families living with cancer, 365 days a year.
Our support is free and immediate, helping to lighten the cancer journey by addressing the practical, social, and emotional needs of all our members.
Our support is free and immediate, helping to lighten the cancer journey by addressing the practical, social, and emotional needs of all our members.
Comments 2
baccus
The amount of screen time suitable for children can vary, but many experts recommend limiting recreational screen use to around 1–2 hours per day for children aged 6–12. This aligns with guidelines from organisations like the Australian Department of Health, which encourage a balance between screen activities and other aspects of a healthy lifestyle, such as physical play, reading, and family interactions. However, it’s worth noting that individual family routines and the nature of screen use—whether for homework, socialising, or gaming—can also play a role in setting limits.
To help reduce screen time, consider creating a family schedule with clear boundaries, such as ‘no screens during meals’ or designated screen-free hours. Encouraging alternative activities like sports, crafts, or outdoor adventures can also provide engaging substitutes. Since you have two boys of a similar age, you might involve them in planning fun, non-digital activities together, making it easier to establish habits they’ll enjoy. Open communication about the importance of balance is key, and setting a good example as parents can make a big difference too!
jtmorri
I don't have a child to worry about screentime with. When my daughter was younger all her schoolwork had to be done before she used a computer, tablet or mobile phone. We didn't allow her to have the devices in her room. If we thought she'd been on long enough after 2 hours we'd tell her to get off the devices and occupy herself in some other way. I know some parents have a drawer the devices are locked in until they allow the children to go on the devices again. Her interests were creative like music, art, craft, crotchet etc. and going to family friendly attractions like Scitech, AQWA, Perth Zoo, the museum.
To counteract screentime, I'd find out what they are interested in and then the activity will stimulate their curiosity and engagement. A hint may be the type of content they watch or games they play as there are many organisations and societies that cater to interests (medieval and renaissance groups, car clubs). Rather than passively watching the content or playing the games they can immerse themselves in the activities and actively participate outdoors.
The key is planning ahead and letting them know what will be happening on the weekend that is new and different. Plan outdoor activities if it is sport (anything like frisbee, kick around), take a day trip, make a fly a kite, flying fox, fishing, a theme park, go to a museum (it could be a car museum or anything else different), zoo, hiking, geocaching, treasure hunt, bike riding, skating, playground, or in the garden digging holes, moving mulch, chopping, planting, washing the car, cleaning up the yard (kids love pressure cleaners) etc. One of the boys may be interested in building and tinkering and you could build something together or paint something around the house.