Model healthy behaviour: Be a role model for your children. Demonstrate balanced screen time habits by limiting your own device use when around them.
Provide alternative activities: Offer a variety of engaging and fun activities that don’t involve screens. Arts and crafts, board games, puzzles, outdoor play and reading are excellent alternatives.
Establish screen-free times: Designate specific times of day when devices are off-limits, such as during meals, before bedtime or during family gatherings.
Plan outdoor adventures: Organise regular outdoor outings or adventures such as picnics or nature walks. These activities help kids connect with the real world and stay active.
Encourage social interaction: Arrange play-dates, sleepovers and group activities that encourage face-to-face interaction and collaboration.
Create a routine: Establish a daily routine that includes dedicated time for homework, chores, physical activity and creative play. This reduces the temptation to turn to devices out of boredom.
Offer rewards and incentives: Use a reward system to motivate kids to engage in non-screen activities. Offer small rewards for completing chores, reading a certain number of pages or spending time on a hobby.
Provide educational apps and content: If screen time is inevitable, opt for educational apps, games and videos that promote learning and skill development.
Involve kids in decision-making: Allow children to participate in setting screen time limits and choosing alternative activities. When they feel involved, they may be more willing to co-operate.
Enrol in extracurricular activities: Sign kids up for extracurricular activities such as sports, music lessons, art classes or dance, which keep them engaged and help them develop new skills.
Family bonding time: Plan regular family activities, such as game nights, movie nights or cooking together, to strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories.
Educate about screen time: Teach children about the potential negative effects of excessive screen time on their health, sleep and wellbeing. Encourage them to make mindful choices.
Monitor content: Keep an eye on the content your kids are consuming and ensure it's age-appropriate and aligned with your family values.
Remember each child is unique, so it might take some trial and error to find the strategies that work best for your family. Consistency, communication and a positive approach are key to reducing screen time and encouraging other activities.
