You may worry that your children eat healthy, right? So that the whole family has a good diet all the time. And if that is important ... why not do the same with the media and new technologies? Children learn from example and they will need to learn from you what the use of new technologies is and how it should be to be appropriate.
Many parents struggle with exactly how much screen time is okay for their children. Is a half-hour show okay but a full-length movie is 'bad'? How much play should you allow when your child also uses his computer for homework? Does Wikipedia count as 'reading'? And when does the passion for video games, for example, become problematic? The truth is, there is no magic formula.
Just like every family differs in what they eat, when they eat, and what they like, A healthy media diet is different for every family. The key is to make sure the things that are important to your family are fairly balanced in the long run and that it is good for everyone.
A healthy media diet balances screen activities (games, social media, TV), time (15 minutes? Three hours?), And choices (YouTube, Minecraft, Netflix) with real-life activities (sports , games, walks…), face-to-face conversations, daydreaming… At some point, children will be able to manage their own media diet. In the meantime, these tips can help them learn to do it right. Instead of counting daily screen minutes, aim for a balance during the week.
Secrets of a well-balanced media diet
Strike a balance
Instead of counting daily screen minutes, aim for a balance throughout the week. Have your kids help you plan a week that includes things they have to do and things they like to do, such as school work, activities, homework, reading, family time, and television or games. Deciding on limits and behavior is critical.
Take a family walk
Put your devices away while driving, at meal times, and during important conversations. Children will learn these habits from you and reproduce them without realizing it.
Have family conversations
Ask questions about your children's favorite games, shows, and characters. Talk about the ideas and problems they read or learn about through a TV show or game. This is an opportunity to unite, learn and share family values.
Create tech-free zones
Set rules that suit your family, such as "no gadgets at dinner," "no social media during homework," or "All screens off before going to sleep."
Review grades
Choose high-quality media and technology appropriate for the age of your children. It is important that the time they spend looking at the screens is of quality all the time.