Ways to Reduce Screen Time For Students.

 

"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 have become so focused on that tiny screen that we forget the big picture, the people right in front of us". - Regina Brett.

My neighbour a six-year-old boy, is so fond of mobile phones that he completely ignores his studies. If he is not given that phone, he becomes angry and irritated and starts throwing tantrums.

The result is he is happy only when the mobile phone is given. Now, the question is only children are to be blamed? Today parents are so busy building their careers that they do not have time for their children.

The children are either at the mercy of maids or grandparents who like to pamper their grandchildren. What should be done to create interest not only in studies but also in other constructive activities?

According to mayoclinic.org- Encourage unplugged, unstructured playtime. Create tech-free zones or times, such as during mealtime or at night a week. Discourage the use of media entertainment during homework. Set and enforce the daily or weekly screen time limits and curfew zones such as no exposure to devices or screens one hour before bedtime curfew zones.

Though, today the culture of screen time is increasing, there are many benefits to reducing screen time. When you curtail the screen timing, children start taking an interest in other productive activities, their health improves and their creativity gets a boost.

The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends these acceptable amounts of screen time limits.

* No screen time for children under 2.

* One hour per day for children 2 to 12.

* Two hours per day for teens and adults.

By constantly practising in other activities, students can slowly and surely reduce their screen time. Her teachers and parents play a crucial role.

Here are some ways you can reduce screen time considerably.

1. Be accountable.

The student should learn to be accountable for their actions. Parents should set goals that are not only attainable but also intentional. 

Stop watching any kind of device that your teachers and parents have set a time limit. have. You have to have self-control. And understand the benefits of keeping away from screen time.

Student have to learn to be responsible and accountable for their own benefits. 

2. Be realistic.

Parents should set a realistic time lits for watching TV. otherwise, children may get frustrated and rebel. First start with 0 minutes curb then slowly increase the time. 

Make students understand the importance of extracurricular activities, playing outside, and healthy habits. Do not make children go through rigorous punishment. This will actually make them rebel.

Punishment is never the solution to student behaviour. Lovingly, caringly and affectionately make them understand the repercussions of long-time screen watching.

3. Be engaged.

Make children engaged in some constructive but fun and enjoyable activities. These children do not have a place to play so they get bored and their best companion is their mobile phone.

Here, parent's active participation is essential. They must keep children happy mentally, physically and emotionally. 

According to oakridge.com - Redirect their focus by engaging them in activity-based learning. Hands-on projects, science experiments, arts and crafts, and puzzles can be effective tools to keep them occupied in understanding the various subjects.

4. Put devices away.

Teachers and parents should take away their phones when children sit for studying. Even when you fix time to browse the phones, you have to keep an eye on to see what the children are watching.

As far as possible phones should be banned inside the school. We have to accept that these days, students are extremely tech-savvy. But with that, they have to be taught the cons of too much screen time.

You can put away the devices in many ways. Keeping them productively engaged, creating a positive device-free classroom, and indulging in some interesting games.

5. Create a phone-free one at home.

At home also parents should discourage the use of phones as far as possible. The dangers of too much screen time may divert attention from studies.

Make sure to make a phone-free zone like kitchen, bedroom, and car. Try to listen to music, reflect on the day or meditate when commuting instead of using the phone.

Anyway, taking in the phone while driving is a punishable act. Teach your children there is a time and time limit of using the phone and be very strict about it.

6. Get them outside. 

Encourage children to go out and play. Sitting in one place is not good for health. Parents and teachers play a crucial role in talking about the benefits of playing outside and being with nature.

Create a child-safe one and be with them keeping an eye on them for their safety. Make them understand that playing outside gives them a chance to show their adventurous nature and face challenges.

They get a healthy dose of vitamin D from the sun's rays.

7. Schedule time.

If the child throws tantrums for using a phone, then fix a time for using the phone and be very diligent that they stick to the time.

See to it that it doesn't become an addiction. Today even a toddler uses phones or TV to watch rhymes instead of them reciting themselves. 

This trend is becoming viral and patent and teachers have to curb this habit of using phones for every little thing by students. They are not interested in reading books or going to libraries to browse books.

So it becomes very important that parents make a strict time schedule for browsing phones or watching TV.

8. Get involved in extracurricular activities.

Encourage children to participate in extracurricular activities in school. Teach them the benefits of taking part in various activities. 

It boosts their self-confidence, they make new friends or strengthen their already existing friendships. Participating in various activities makes them curious, knowledgeable and smart.

Participating in extracurricular activities students build teamwork, their communication skills improve, and they cultivate a sense of belonging to their school and friends.

Students who participate actively in extracurricular activities show improvement in their academic performance, learn time management, learn essential life skills, and enhance their personal growth and development. 

9. Don't use screen time as a reward.

New research says that parents who reward their children's good behaviour with extra screen time can expect them to spend even more time online. This is not the best idea.

Researchers have also found that children, whose parents dole out screen time as a reward or revoke punishment, spend more time on a smartphone, tablet, computer or in front of the TV than whose parents don't.

Never tempt children to view screen time as a reward. It may backfire.

10. Delete unnecessary apps.

Actually, children are smarter today. By the age of 10, they know all about which apps to download and watch.

This is very dangerous. Parents have to watch over and delete unnecessary apps. It's okay to install apps that teach children some constructive and productive games.

Even some play apps also can be installed that can help children to use their brains like puzzles and other types. But otherwise, remove the apps that allow no purpose.

11. Take regular breaks.

Continuous studying gives you tiredness and atigue. It's necessary to take active breaks in between studies. Every 50-60 minutes, take a 5-10 minutes break.

For your long-term physical, mental and emotional health and achieving goals, you need a productive break..

Use these breaks for a short brisk walk around the building or do some stretching exercises that energise and rejuvenate your mind and body.

There are many disadvantages of continuous screen time. 

Students lose their focus and will not be able to concentrate on their studies. There is a risk of becoming obese becuase when they start watching screens they forget the time.

They completely stop socializing and thus have no friends. Their sleep pattern changes and sometimes even small children spend sleepless nights.

The studies show that they become more violent, and face behaviour problems.

Nothing is lost. Parents have to take time to be with their children guiding them and making them understand the bad effects of constantly watching mobile or TV.

"Children will not remember you for the material things you provided, but or the feeling that you cherished them". - Richard L. Evans.

Conclusion.

Rain or shine, students need not spend time watching TV or mobile. There are many alternatives to that. Parents and teachers have to do researh and find ways to control screen timings.

Today's children have become technology experts and screen time has become a part and parcel of our day-to-day life. Screen time has to be curbed for student's own well-being.

(How do you control the screen time of your children. Please write in the comment box).