After reading the first two posts in this ‘Screen time’ series, I know you are determined to protect your kids eyes and health. And you know what to do. But do you know how to do it?
If you are planning to say to your kid ‘No screen time from tomorrow’, that’s not going to work. Because screen time is a habit that got hardwired into our lives and is hard to get rid of.
So simple advice like ‘stop doing it’ rarely works. Breaking or changing these habits is a long process and it requires a lot of patience, effort and perseverance. But this long process starts with a first step and that first step is YOU. Let me explain.
Kids are master imitators and you are their role model. They carefully observe whatever you do and mirror that behaviour. So if you are on the phone or watching TV most of the time and if you are expecting your kid not to watch screens, it’s not going to work.
So the first step is practice what you preach. Reduce your screen time first. Use mobile and screens only when it is necessary. Once you have done that, you are ready to start the process that requires more than just saying No screen time.
Habits expert James Clear, in his book ‘Atomic habits’, explained 4 laws to break a bad habit. And we will apply those laws to reduce screen time.
First Law: Make it invisible
Keep phones, tabs and Tv remotes in places that are not easily accessible to kids when not in use. Don’t let the TV run in the background.
Mark digital free zones where no family member uses a gadget like bedroom, dining table, kitchen, bathroom, and cars
Second Law: Make it unattractive
Explain the harmful effects of screens. Kids love stories. So tell them stories about how some kid ended up with thick glasses due to overuse of screens, or how a kid failed in exams due to screens.
Third Law: Make it difficult
Keep screen locks and passwords to the devices
Use parental controls
Set specific times only when they get the screens.
Do not use screen media during meals, within one hour before sleep, or during travel.
And finally, these habits are very difficult to eliminate because they provide a psychological satisfaction to the kid. You can only get rid of a bad habit when you replace it with a better habit that gives similar reward.
So when the kid says he is bored, don’t give the phone. In fact boredom is good. It is the first step of creativity. So whenever the kid says he is bored, spend time with them. Identify what they are interested in, it can be painting, dancing, writing, some sports. Nurture those habits. Carefully direct them towards the habits that they are interested in. Encourage them whenever they achieve something. This brings us to the fourth law.
Fourth law: Make these good habits satisfying
Everytime they stick to the scheduled screen time, reward them. Reward doesn’t just mean chocolates or gifts. Your Words of appreciation are the most effective form of reward. So appreciate them for sticking to the screen time. Celebrate their every win even if it is a minor one.
And finally, they are watching you more than what you realise. So Be a role model for them. And I am sure, they’ll follow you.
What are your tips to reduce screen time? Let me know in the comments section.
