Managing screen time for young children

The Challenge of Managing Screen Time

As a working Indian parent, you’re likely familiar with the constant juggle of responsibilities. Balancing your career, household duties, and your child’s needs can be overwhelming. In today’s digital age, managing screen time has become an additional challenge for parents. In this article, we’ll explore practical strategies to effectively manage screen time for young children, following the guidelines set by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics. Our expert, Sonali Shivlani, the founder of Baby360Degrees, will provide valuable insights. Before we dive into strategies for managing screen time, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the guidelines provided by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP). These guidelines serve as a foundation for responsible screen time management for children in India. https://indianpediatrics.net/mar2022/235.pdf

Managing Screen Time Guidelines by IAP

1. Age-Appropriate Limits

The IAP recommends that children under the age of two should have no screen time exposure. For children aged two to five, screen time should be limited to one hour per day of high-quality, educational content.

2. Co-Viewing and Interaction

Parents are encouraged to watch and engage with their children during screen time. Co-viewing allows you to explain content, answer questions, and ensure a safe and enriching experience.

3. Consistent Screen-Free Zones

Designate certain areas in your home, such as the dining table and the bedroom, as screen-free zones. This helps maintain a balance between screen time and other activities.

4. Prioritize Outdoor Play

The IAP emphasizes the importance of outdoor play and physical activities for children’s development. Strive to ensure that your child spends time playing outdoors daily.

5. Monitor Content

Be vigilant about the content your child is exposed to. Ensure that it is age-appropriate and aligns with educational objectives.

Practical Strategies for Managing Screen Time

Now that we have a solid understanding of the IAP guidelines, let’s explore practical strategies to implement them effectively in your daily routine.

1. Create a Screen Time Schedule

Establish a structured daily schedule that includes specific screen time slots. Ensure that these slots align with the recommended limits set by the IAP for your child’s age.

2. Choose High-Quality Content

Opt for educational apps, videos, and games that are not only entertaining but also align with your child’s developmental stage. Look for content that encourages learning through play.

3. Co-View and Interact

Whenever your child engages with screens, make it a joint activity. Sit down with your child, ask questions, and encourage discussions related to the content.

4. Set Clear Boundaries

Clearly communicate the screen time rules to your child. Use age-appropriate language to explain why these rules are important for their well-being.

5. Designate Screen-Free Zones

As recommended by the IAP, designate certain areas in your home where screens are not allowed. This helps create a healthy balance between screen time and other activities.

6. Be a Role Model

Children often mimic their parents’ behavior. Be mindful of your own screen time habits and set a positive example for your child.

7. Encourage Outdoor Play

Prioritize outdoor activities and playtime in your child’s daily routine. This not only aligns with the IAP guidelines but also promotes physical and social development.

8. Monitor Content

Regularly review the content your child is exposed to. Ensure that it remains age-appropriate and aligns with your educational goals.

Conclusion: Striking the Right Balance Managing screen time for young children can be challenging, especially for working Indian parents. However, by following the guidelines provided by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics and implementing practical strategies, you can strike the right balance between technology and other essential activities in your child’s life. Remember that consistency and active involvement are key to fostering a healthy relationship with screens while ensuring your child’s overall well-being. To know more about our pregnancy and parenting programs please visit www.baby360degrees.in   The author is an Internationally Certified Pregnancy & New Parent Coach. She is the Director of CAPPA India and the founder of Baby360degrees (Complete solutions for pregnancy and parenting programs)