It seems harder and harder to part company with the screens these days, right? I mean, it’s so easy to whip out the phone when we want to go grocery shopping with the kids and have some peace. But, there’s actually a lot of research that too much time on screens is hurting our kids. We need some strategies for how to reduce screen time so they are happier, healthier, and more pleasant to be with. I know my kids sometimes fight me when it comes to turning off the devices. How about yours? But, I have found some fun ways to turn this around. Let’s dive in!

Why you need to get your kid off screens

Before we dive into the tips, let’s talk about why it’s so important to reduce screen time and encourage outdoor play and other activities.

Effects on brain development

Not too long ago, the U.S. National Institutes of Health revealed preliminary findings from their new longitudinal study, the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. These findings found that children who reported more than two hours a day of screen time showed lower scores on thinking and language tests. The MRI brain scans of those who reported more than seven hours a day showed prematurely thinning cortexes. This is the part of the brain that processes sensory information. This effect is one great reason to learn how to reduce screen time.

Negative effects on mental health

In addition, other studies have shown a link between screen time and poor mental health, including depression. Is this really surprising when children who stare at screens aren’t having face-to-face conversations? They lack all the benefits of seeing body language, hearing advanced language structure, and being asked challenging, thought-provoking questions. They aren’t sitting on parents’ laps, hearing new stories, taking turns at games. Instead, they are glued to their device. Alone. Bombarded with negative, frightening, brainwashing images and messages. Another great reason to find out how to reduce screen time.

Learning transfer doesn’t happen

Another twist revealed by the ABCD study is the fact that what is learned in the 2-D world doesn’t transfer to the 3-D world. A child has to start all over again when you introduce the real thing. That 2-D knowledge provides no advantage when confronted with reality. This is because our bodies are wired for sensory input and our brains are wired to learn through our senses–all of them. That sensory learning must be rooted in rich, relational, experiences. Premature thinning in the part of the brain that processes sensory information likely results in something detrimental, not something beneficial or even benign. Yet another strong incentive to learn how to reduce screen time.

Designed to be addictive

Facebook, Instagram, gaming companies, and the like know what they’re doing. They are businesses, after all, and they want everyone–whether child or adult–to stay on their site or game. They use clever tactics to cause us to say to ourselves, “I don’t want to miss anything,” “What will I get this time?,” “Just one more…” They do this with our kids, too. In fact, many teenagers recognize their inability to stop checking social media, even though they deeply want to. We like the little thrill we get and pretty soon, we can’t resist. How much more so our defenseless, naïve, children?

Tips for how to reduce screen time

With all these bad effects, we need to know how to reduce screen time. Notice I said reduce, not eliminate. After all, there are some benefits to computer and phone use and they are here to stay. We need them. But, like all good tools, they can be abused and used for bad as well as for good. So, let’s take a look.

Setting limits

One of the most important ways for how to reduce screen time is to establish a limit. In my house, we have set numerous limits, starting with the age at which we would buy phones for our kids. We determined that our children must be at least age 12 before they would get a phone. Because of other rules in our house, there really is no need for younger children to have a phone.

The second way we set limits is having house rules regarding when our children are allowed to be on tablets, computers, or televisions. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers media use resources to help parents talk to their kids about healthy media use and habits. That is a great place to start when it comes to developing a media plan, setting limits, and talking about the impact of social media.

Encouraging Outdoor Activities

The next step on how to reduce screen time is to encourage outdoor activities. This can be as simple as going for a walk, playing in the park, or even just going into the backyard. But, it sure helps if you offer some ideas or outdoor activities rather than just say, “Go outside!”

The key is to get kids moving and exploring their world. Try to find activities that they enjoy and make them feel good. This could mean turning outdoor play into a game, like a scavenger hunt or obstacle course, or incorporating fun elements like a picnic or water play. Better yet, make it a family affair and go geocaching or do a ropes course. Need more inspiration? Check out 1000 Hours Outside for tons of outdoor activities to do with kids.

My kids love playing with the hose, so we set up a little water park in the backyard during summer.

This keeps them entertained for hours and helps them stay active and engaged.

Board games and conversation starters

What about some old fashioned board games, card games, and conversation starters for how to reduce screen time? Pair them with family dinner time, and you have a winning combination. We have had a weekly family game night with just these sorts of games for a while now and it has really helped build togetherness, plenty of laughs and memories. I’ve noticed that my kids seem happier and more talkative since we’ve started doing this.

We’ve even implemented educational board games to supplement their schooling. When kids are spending time with you and their brothers and sisters, they rewire their brains so they don’t crave the screen as much. It makes it easier for them to kick the habit because they kind of forget about it.

Reading and storytelling

I know, I know. Kids read on their phones and devices, so isn’t that screen time? Well, I don’t know too many kids who read entire books on their phones. And, what about a read aloud time? Maybe after school or an hour before bed, your family could have a read aloud time instead of everyone disappearing into their rooms alone to watch their devices. An example of how to switch it up with broken fairytales or twisted retellings is this list of Peter Pan retellings. Or, you could do oral storytelling. My little boy says, “Tell me from your mouth, mommy, tell me from your mouth!”

There are so many benefits to this activity for how to reduce screen time, including improving language arts skills, creativity, and most importantly, empathy. Empathy is a hallmark of emotional intelligence in children and is a predictor of success in life. So, this activity is a two for one!

Art activities and handicrafts

My final suggestion for how to reduce screen time is to have many art supplies on hand and encourage hands-on activities. I use boxes and fill them with modeling clay, paints, construction paper, markers and drawing materials, and a few special items like pipe cleaners, felt, feathers, or beads. I have sometimes collected clean recyclables, too, and encouraged creative construction projects. If you are okay with a little mess, this can be a great way to encourage creativity and problem-solving. Hey, they can even use their creations in their play activities!

Conclusion

In conclusion, reducing screen time and encouraging outdoor play is so important for our kids’ growth and development. It can be a challenge, but it’s achievable with the right tools and strategies.

By setting clear limits, finding activities that kids enjoy, and making outdoor time fun, you’ll create a balanced and healthy lifestyle for your family.