In today’s digital world, screens are a big part of children’s lives—be it learning, entertainment, or staying connected. Taking note of this, the Early Childhood Association and Association for Primary Education and Research with Born Smart share essential screen-time guidelines.
This article offers practical tips to ensure healthy screen habits without compromising your child’s development.
Tips for Parents, Teachers, and Caregivers
1. Supervise Screen Time
Adult supervision ensures that children consume age-appropriate content and do not engage in excessive screen use.
How to implement it:
- Be present when your child is watching a show or using an educational app.
- Set parental controls on devices to filter inappropriate content.
2. Make Screen Time Interactive
Screen time should not be a passive activity where children stare at the screen without engagement. Instead, make it interactive!
How to implement it:
- Encourage discussions about what they’re watching.
- Learning through play activities such as digital puzzles or storytelling apps can make screen time more engaging.
3. Set Limits on Screen Time
Excessive screen time can lead to poor posture, eye strain, and reduced physical activity. The recommended screen time for preschoolers is not more than 60 minutes per day.
How to implement it:
- Divide screen time into smaller sessions.
- Use a timer to alert them when screen time is over.
Following a healthy routine for preschool kids ensures screen time doesn’t interfere with sleep or physical play.
4. Encourage Regular Breaks
Staring at a screen for too long can cause eye strain and fatigue. Taking frequent breaks is essential.
How to implement it:
- Every 20 minutes, encourage your child to look away from the screen.
- Encourage stretching, jumping, or simple exercises between screen sessions.
Screen Safety Tips for Children
Here are some simple tips to share with your preschoolers to educate them on using screens responsibly.
1. Blink Often
While watching a screen, children tend to blink less, leading to dry eyes and discomfort. Teach your child the “Blink-Blink” rule, where you remind them to blink every few seconds.
2. Maintain a Safe Distance from the Screen
Sitting too close to the screen can harm a child’s eyesight. The ideal distance from the screen is at least 20 inches (around an arm’s length).
3. Avoid Eating While Watching Screens
Eating in front of a screen can cause children to overeat or eat too fast. Establish a rule that all meals and snacks are eaten at the dining table, without screens.
4. Use Gadgets Wisely
Choose age-appropriate content with educational value. The preschool curriculum should also incorporate a balance between screen-based learning and hands-on activities.
5. Balance Screen Time with Physical Activity
Activities from a play-based learning curriculum can help improve cognitive and motor. Plan outdoor playtime daily and engage in fun activities like dance, yoga, or jumping exercises.
Creating a Healthy Digital Environment at Home
1. Set a Good Example
Children learn by watching their parents and imitating their behaviour.
What to do?
- Reduce your own screen time when spending time with your child.
- Prioritise face-to-face interactions over digital entertainment.
2. Establish “No-Screen” Zones
Certain areas in your home should be free from screens to promote healthy routines.
Best places for screen-free zones:
- Dining table – Encourages family bonding.
- Bedroom – Ensures better sleep quality.
3. Introduce Educational Alternatives
Screens should not be the only source of entertainment. Encouraging creative learning activities for preschoolers can be both engaging and beneficial.
Alternative activities:
- Reading books together.
- Building blocks or doing simple art projects.
Conclusion
Screens are a part of modern life and can aid learning and entertainment when used wisely. Instilling healthy habits early—through boundaries, interactive use, and physical activity—ensures screen time stays enriching and fun for your child.
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