Kids in New Zealand today have unprecedented access to smart devices and research shows that screen time often increases at preschool age.
Sadly, children who spend more time watching screens are more likely to be obese and suffer ill health. Higher screen time kids are also more likely to have lower physical motor skills and may exhibit hyperactivity problems as early as four-and-a-half years old.
And in the older age band - teens who excessively use the internet and social media have been linked to poor mental wellbeing, impaired cognition and unhealthy sleep.
A report from UNICEF reiterated that excessive use of screens had a negative impact on people's wellbeing, and found that a moderate amount of screentime - between 30 minutes and three hours per day - was associated with the highest mental wellbeing.
Screentime soared amid the COVID-19 pandemic which exacerbated the negative effects on children and young people, some forming excessive use habits that are proving difficult to get under control.
What can parents do to help their children maintain a healthy screen time balance and improve their mental wellbeing?
To help, AA Life Insurance has partnered with Jenny Hale - a senior family coach and presenter at Parenting Place - sharing advice for dealing with common parenting conundrums.
"After the lockdowns, many families realise that screen use has gotten out of control. We all know that we don't like giving up a freedom we have come to rely on - there will be big feelings for everyone," Hale told Newshub.
"However, like many things in parenting, there is often a need to refresh or bring in a family reset. This can be helped with the structure of a family meeting where the challenges are shared and ideas welcomed on how technology can be best used.
"Ultimately, parents have to lead by example and make the hard call on setting new boundaries and may even use a contract to keep everyone on the same page. Reining things in is hard but essential and the long-term outcomes are worth it."
The Ministry of Health has the following recommendations for children's recreational screen time:
- None at all for children under two years of age
- Less than one hour per day for children aged two to five
- Less than two hours per day for children aged five to 17.
But what's more important than daily limits is what types of screen activity children are engaging in and if the content is suitable for them, Hale said.
"Value is added with screen time when a parent is involved in what a child is viewing so that there is conversation and connection in the experience. A great focus for parents is ensuring that other activities are still prioritised and that children are getting time to play, be in nature, have plenty of sleep, some down time and lots of family time."
Here are some helpful ways to start reducing your children's screen time:
- Set expectations and goals with your children, include them and make it intentional
- Slowly start to reduce the amount of time they're already spending on screens everyday, cut the time in half
- Give them your full attention when you pick them up from school and catch up on their day by talking to them face to face
- Create a charging station and put all devices away during screen-free time so they're not around to distract your children
- Making the lounge or kitchen areas phone-free zones is an easy way to start
- Not only is it good for your mental and physical wellbeing, but going outdoors and playing outside is a great way to get some time away from devices
Indeed, balancing screen time with green time is hugely important for Kiwi kids and it's usually not difficult to get into some incredible offerings of the Great Outdoors.
"The best way to integrate this is to make it a family thing - everyone does it and you can even tick it off each day. Some resistance to this is normal - until it becomes part of the way you do life," said Hale.
That resistance can dramatically increase when children become adolescents and hit their moody teen phase. But even though hanging out with mum and dad might seem like the worst thing ever for them, often that's just an act.
"Teenagers don't always want to be seen with their parents or be seen to show enthusiasm for a family activity. However, they hide their need for connection so inviting them to join is still important as is finding the sort of activity they enjoy and doing that," said Hale.
"You might want to incorporate their interests - and some food - when you invite them along."
Getting the family involved in deciding what to do together is a great way to create successful outings. It's often tempting to pop on the TV and get some relaxing done at home, especially when parents are tired, but it's much healthier to get out and about with each other.
"Some families set up a list of other activities to do before a device is used or when device time is up," said Hale.
"Playing outside, building with Lego, climbing trees and reading are still great for kids. There may be 'peace' for a time when a screen is used - but ongoing peace isn't a result of screen time."
It's important to remember to strike the right balance and not be overly strict. What's best for one family might not be best for another and there aren't many whānau for whom zero screen time is the best option.
It's cheap and easy to keep in touch with wider family and friends all over the world using screens, and watching a movie together is of course a beloved Kiwi family pastime.
Just make sure it's not being done at the expense of other things.
As parents, we put so much energy into protecting our children, both physically and mentally. Protecting their financial future is something that's often less front of mind, but equally important to consider.
If you're interested to look at how life insurance could help protect your family's financial future should anything happen to you, you can find out more information at aalife.co.nz.
Article created in partnership with AA Life Insurance.
