6 ways to help your teen manage their screen time

TikTok, Instagram, texting — screens are woven into the fabric of everyday teen life. However, too much screen time can have negative consequences, including difficulty with concentration, sleep disorders and not eating properly.

We probably don’t have to tell you that managing and limiting your teen’s screen time is easier said than done. Here are a few tips for getting started:   

Prevent them from multitasking

Teens often text or use social media while working on school assignments, which can be a significant distraction. 

By discouraging multitasking, your teen will be able to learn for themself how much more efficiently they can complete assignments when they’re devoted to the task at hand. 

This heightened focus can be a motivator to limit screen usage for social media or text messaging, especially while they are working. 

Encourage extracurricular activities

Encouraging them to join more clubs, play a new sport, or go to the gym will give them important opportunities to explore hobbies outside the digital realm. Physical or group activities will enforce time away from screens and help teens improve their physical and mental health, too.

Encourage in-person socializing 

In-person interactions are crucial for boosting teen mental health. However, teens face many barriers, including the Covid pandemic and social anxiety. Encourage your teen to hang out with their friends when they have the chance.

Establish a few key rules about screen time

Although completely taking your teen’s phone and computer away is not necessarily the answer, it is important to set a few ground rules regarding screens. These include not allowing the usage of screens during mealtime and right before bedtime. Using phones at night time can cause teens to stay up longer and feel tired constantly, so encourage them not to bring their devices to bed. 

Model healthy habits

Keeping tabs on your own screen hygiene can have a major impact on your teen. Avoid scrolling through your phone during meals or gluing yourself to the TV for hours on end. 

Instead, designate device-free periods, including meals or late nights. In addition, try scheduling activities that don’t include electronics, like a neighborhood walk or a board game. Exercising and spending time outdoors can be great alternatives to electronics.

Conclusion

If your teen is constantly immersed in technology, minimizing screen time can seem like a monumental task. However, these tips can be a simple starting point. If you have more questions about how to help your teen build healthy digital habits, feel free to reach out to our team of experts at info@appahealth.com.