Managing Screen Time: Parenting & Addiction

            

"Sometimes you have to disconnect to stay connected. Remember the old days when you had eye contact during a conversation? When everyone wasn't looking down at a device in their hands? We've become so focused on that tiny screen that we forget the big picture, the people right in front of us."
                                              - Regina Brett

Screens are everywhere! They are fabulous for entertaining kids of all ages during long car rides, Chicago winters, and when you simply want peace and quiet.  Sometimes, unintentionally, our use of screens can lead kids to develop very unhealthy habits, and addictive behaviors. Here are some general tips about creating responsible screen time usage at home. 

Limit Screen Time

Families should set limits around the amount of time dedicated to using screens. During the week, particularly during the school year, 30 minutes a day would be a reasonable allotment. This time can be used for gaming, watching youtube videos, or Netflix.  Kids should understand that on some days, due to scheduling, there may not be an opportunity for screen time.  It is a parental decision if those minutes are added to the following day.  

Use Screen Time As A Reward

If you are consistently limiting screen time, kids perceive earning more, as highly motivating. This concept of "more time" can be in 5 minute increments. Devising a chore chart, or assigning minutes to a variety of responsibilities, often engages kids in prosocial behaviors. For example, making your bed everyday may be an opportunity to earn 5 additional minutes the following week.

Balance Screen Time With Social Development

Kids often report that when gaming, it is usually online with friends. While technology has made this possible, it does not constitute the making and maintaining of quality friendships. Encourage your child to invite friends to the house, and be gamers together, while limiting their screen time. By operating in accordance with your family rules, you can help them find other fun, non-screen, activities that will boost social problem solving and creativity.  

While many kids spend too much time on tablets, computers, and gaming systems, some are susceptible to addiction.  Some risk factors include difficulty with peer relationships, learning differences, ADHD, trauma, and family discord. Screens offer an escape from reality, and for those who are gamers, an opportunity to be respected for their skills.  Here are some signs an individual has transitioned from passionate to an addict.

Preoccupation

Someone who is addicted gaming, or the Internet ,may become distracted, irritable, or disinterested when away from it. He/she may talk incessantly about the game to others.

Downplaying Computer Usage

Children and teens who are addicted to the Internet or gaming may minimize the amount of time spent engaging in these activities. They may make excuses about why it’s necessary to be online, or outright lie.

Lack of Control

Someone who is on the verge of addiction to online usage may intend to spend 15 minutes playing, but will end up spending hours on the computer.

Loss of Time

Children and teens teetering on addiction may get online, think they have been on for a limited amount of time, only to discover hours have passed, and they have neglected commitments.