HOW MUCH SCREEN TIME DO YOUR CHILDREN HAVE EACH DAY?
I think that must be one of the greatest challenges that modern parents face. It is becoming the norm for even young children to have iPhones and iPads, etc. How do you handle this in your home?
I know some families don’t allow their children to have iPhones, period! Others allow them but seek to curb their time. But this can be difficult as it can be addicting. The trouble is that many mothers are addicted. I believe that parents themselves must guard the use of their digital devices or how can they be an example to their children?
A 2015 survey by AVG Technologies reorted hat one third of children said that they felt unimportant when their parents looked at their smartphones during meals or when playing together. Even replying to a quick text message sends your child the message that your phone is less important than he or she is.
NO IPHONES AT YOUR FAMILY MEAL TABLE
I trust that you never allow digital devices at your family meal table. I think it is sacrilegious. Family meals times are some of the most important times in our homes. They are our “together” times when we all gather around the able to share and fellowship together. To allow our children to use their iPhones and communicate with others outside the home when they should be dialoguing with their parents and siblings is very disrespectful. I will not allow iPhones at our family table.
Many secular articles advocate lessening time on digital devices. Amy Morin from verywellfamily suggests:
1. No digital devices during family meals
2. No screens allowed in bedrooms
3. No electronics use during family fun nights
WHAT ABOUT A DIGITAL DETOX?
She suggests that families consider a digital detox for the whole family—perhaps a screen free night once a week, or even unplugging one weekend a month!
I think this can be a very good idea (for parents and children). It helps to save them becoming totally addicted. And remember, everyone survived quite well before iPhones. For generations! And they actually survived better—physically, and mentally. You don’t have to answer every text or message. You don’t have to check every ding on your device! You can use it to serve you, but never becomes its victim!
CHILDREN UNDER TWO SHOULD HAVE NO SCREEN TIME
The Center for Parenting Education states:
1. Children under two years should have NO SCREEN TIME! That means any time in front of a digital screen, TV, video game players, household digital devices and computers.
2. Children 2 – 10 should have only one hour of supervised time.
3. Tweens and Teens should have no more than two hours each day, after all homework is completed.
4.
Dr. Nicole Beurkens proves that screen time can be dangerous for our children’s mental and physical health. You can read her article by going to this link:
https://www.drbeurkens.com/dangers-overexposure-electronic…/
I’d love to hear what you do in your home.
Love from Nancy Campbell
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