Screen time becomes a routine part of life for children as they start school. While there may be educational benefits from screen activity, there are also certain dangers. As parents, we need to make sure screen time doesn’t reduce time spent sleeping or  in physical play. We also need take care that screen time doesn't replace key developmental activities such as reading, drawing and social time with family and friends.

To help your children develop healthy screen habits:

1. Set a limit to screen time, and make sure your child sticks to it. You will also need to establish a few rules, such as:

• No screens in the bedroom
• No screens during meal times
• No screens in the afternoon until homework and housework are done.
• Screens off 1 hour before bedtime
• No more than 2 hours per day
• Screen-free days

2. Choose programs and apps that:

• Encourage creativity, such as drawing or making video clips, animations or comics
• Require problem solving
• Support communication skills, such as language skills
• Help develop social skills
• Promote positive messages about relationships, family and life – avoid those that display violence and bad attitudes
• Encourage kids to take up new activities away from the screen
• Are age appropriate
• Encourage active play ideas and other activities that don’t involve screens, such as board or card games, which will help your child adapt to the new rules

3. Role-model healthy screen time habits, as your child will learn from you what is normal, so turn the phone and TV off during dinner

For more information, check out the Australia’s physical activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines (5-12 years). 

[Source: Raising Children Network; DoH Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour; Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network]