How much screen time is too much?
For under twos there is limited evidence for any benefits. For preschoolers the advice is less is best
for school aged and above: ……we are all different and therefore the amount of time spent on screens will be different for each child, young person or adult.
Firstly let’s look at the PROS for screen time
escape from a tough world
high Dopamine release (pleasure neurotransmitter)
stimulating (instant & continuous)
social (games/ social media/ connections)
virtual world - feels more under your control
instant gratification
predictability
repetition (calming/ soothing)
ScreenTime
However over time you need to do more to get the same levels of gratification/ release of dopamine and thus we start a vicious cycle of spending longer and longer using screens.
Agree on Limits
It is better to go for extra/ realistic amount of time than less and never keep to the limits/ rules.
The management of screen time initially is controlled by adults who choose the apps/ timers/ length of time allowed, but this control needs to be gradually released as children get older. We need young people to develop the skill of control and for them to manage their own screen time. Gradually allow the young person to select the apps/ timers/ alarms/ alerts that work for them. Talk together about what is a “reasonable” amount of time to be on screens/ gaming.
If a young person is displaying the following behaviours seek professional help. For example: lying around gaming; stealing; aggressive/ destructive behaviours.
When you set limits you as the adult need to understand the game/ activity, e.g. what does the game involve; how long does a typical game last; do you need to save progress; etc (this will involve you discussing the game with your child or sitting alongside them whilst they are playing the game or actually playing the game).
Pulling the plug will only result in a meltdown
too quick/ sudden/ without warning
inconvenient time
It is often helpful to give a 15 minute warning where you can together set realistic choices of what can be achieved in the time left.
Balance
How much is too much? The best question to ask is: “Is it getting in the way of other things?”
Our day consists of:
Daily Activities ( wash, getting dressed, eating, etc)
School/ work
Chores
Exercise
Spare time
Bedtime routine/ Sleep
Spare Time may include: gaming & hobbies. Just keep a check that gaming is not interfering with the other parts of the day.
Try and encourage and develop other areas of interest/ hobbies which don’t involve screen time. What else is your child/ young person interested in?
Build Self Awareness
It is helpful to become aware of what makes your child mad or upsets them. Try and avoid games that upset your child or make them angry (again this will vary).
Be aware of games that they get sucked into/ tend to loose all sense of time. This is especially pertinent for those personalities that can become “hyper focused”. Use apps/ timers to support them in setting limits and not ignoring everything else.
Transitions
Can you switch tasks quickly?
If transitions are difficult then Screen Time/ Gaming is NOT going to be beneficial during short breaks throughout the day or at the start of the day.
Sleep 💤
How long do you need to decompress at the end of the day?
Avoid screen times before bedtime (the length of time needed to decompress will vary for each person).
Avoid screens in bedrooms.
by Sarah Winstanley, SaLT
Communication Lincs Ltd. ……..because Speech Therapy Matters