Does Your Tween Need Help Managing Screen Time?

Source: Tween Parent Staff

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We've all read or heard about the surprising statistics associated with how many hours our children, especially preteens, participate in some form of screen media. We all know that time is precious. We also know that there are advantages to becoming technology savvy. On top of that, we know that too much of anything isn't a good thing. Before we get to suggestions for managing screen time, there are some thought provoking statistics to consider.

• The average amount of time a preteen spends in front of a "screen" (including TV, DVD, video player, pre-recorded programming, video game, computer, etc.) is approximately 37 hours per week. This reality is in sharp contrast to the 7-14 hours per week recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
• According to A.C. Nielsen Co., the average American youth spends about 900 hours a year in school, compared with 1,500 hours of TV watching. That doesn't even include non-TV screen time!
• Equally startling, the average child has watched 8,000 murders on TV before entering Middle School.

If nothing else, these figures give us pause for thought. Beyond any debate over how much screen time is too much and the quality of that screen time, there are some very clear advantages associated with having access to screen oriented technology...our kids certainly are technologically savvy. It's amazing how quickly they seem to figure out how to solve seemingly insurmountable technology glitches that are merely second nature to them. And many can ably navigate the internet to solve homework problems and find answers to simple questions. In short, they possess a technology confidence that could be characterized as technology trepidation for many of our generation! On top of that, there are distinct benefits of various types of screen exposure. For example, there may be a positive impact of the strategy and dexterity associated with some video games and the healthful physical activity of some of the Wii software. And there are more.

With all factors considered, balance is clearly the key. Since there is a finite amount of time to fit many activities into our kids' days, too much screen time can take away from other important activities like homework, chores, spending time with friends, playing sports, enjoying music, reading a book and spending time with family.

You Can Help Your Preteen Manage Screen Time

• Determine how much screen time your child is engaged in. You can download a Screen Time Log from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help you get started.
• Set rules for screen time and stay on top of it. You might consider following the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation of no more than two hours a day that is not homework-related. You can use this handy tool from GetGameSmart.com as a way to communicate, agree and commit to managing screen time together.
• Avoid having a TV or computer in your child's bedroom, since children who have TVs in their room tend to spend almost 1 1/2 hours more in a typical day watching TV than their peers without a set in their room. The same might be true of computers, and there are internet safety issues to consider as well.
• Make family time a priority. Turn the screens off during mealtime. The National Institute on Media and the Family reports that 40 percent of American families watch TV "almost always" during meals. Start a tradition of family game nights, free of screens and cell phones. Put your child in charge of coming up with a game to play; it will promote creative thinking! And, no one is ever too old for a good story; read a book together.
• Set a good example. You need to be a good role model and also limit your non-work related screen time too. If your kids see you following your own rules, they will be more likely to follow them as well. Instead of watching TV or surfing the Internet, spend time with your family doing something fun and active.
• If you're struggling to come up with screen alternatives, work together with your tween to make a list of options that your child might like to choose from during free time and post it for future reference.
• Teach your preteen to be a savvy media consumer by recognizing a sales pitch! Don't expect your child to ignore the influences of TV and internet advertising, but understanding motivations can help curb the appeal of unsolicited product advertising.

Share your thoughts about managing screen time:
Technology section of TweenParent Community

Additional information related to managing screen time:

An Audio Stream from the radio show, Childhood Matters, August 2008, "Your Preteen's Relationship with Media, Consumerism, Technology, and Increased Screen-Time"