If you have kids currently in elementary school, you likely have quite a few digital screens around the home. Smartphones, tablets, PCs, TVs, and laptops all attract the attention of young children, with sometimes detrimental effects. Many parents worry their children get too much digital exposure, even more so now with COVID-19 forcing kids to learn exclusively online. The following guidelines can help you set limits in your home to ensure your children are healthy and happy.

The Negative Effects of Too Much Screen Time

Many researchers have found links between too much screen time and negative developments. If children spend too much time staring at digital screens and partaking in low-quality content, they’re more at risk for obesity, depression, and sleep deprivation. One study even showed that every one-hour increase of screen time preschool kids experienced per week led to an increase of their body-mass indexes.

Under normal circumstances, elementary school-aged children should be restricted to two hours or less of screen time per day. With e-learning, that may not be entirely possible if your child has to complete work online.

Create a routine that mixes in offline learning opportunities, such as creative playtime, cooking or baking together, reading, and daily walks—so long as you can practice social distancing safely. 

Parents should also encourage viewing informative videos or playing educational games.

How to Help Your Kids Set Healthy Limits

If you have a child in elementary school, set a good example when it comes to screen time. Consider how much time you spend on your phone or watching TV—it’s likely increased because of the constant updates about the virus. But it’s important to cut back if these times are excessive.

You can also create tech-free areas in your home, such as the dining table. It’s more important than ever to spend time offline when you can, whether that means getting your kids involved in a morning exercise routine or having them help with chores. 

If you’re concerned about the quality of what your children are viewing, set up parental monitoring and controls to restrict channels or websites that contain adult-oriented materials. You should also get the passwords to your child’s digital accounts so you can monitor activities as necessary.

Along with establishing healthy habits at home, enrolling your child in a reputable elementary school will fortify the important lessons you teach. Established in Honolulu in 1949, Hawaii Baptist Academy provides all students with a solid moral and academic foundation to help them develop into confident adults ready for college. Visit them online or call (808) 536-6830 for more information on admissions.