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Finding Balance: Managing Kids' Screen Time

In today's digital landscape, it has become increasingly common to see children and teens captivated by screens of all types, from phones to tablets to laptops. For many parents, determining the right amount of screen time has evolved into a daily dilemma. Dr. Hays Todd, a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist at AltaPointe Health, offers insightful guidance for families facing this modern challenge with understanding and patience.

Understanding the Challenge

Dr. Todd emphasizes that there isn’t a universal standard for the amount of screen time appropriate for every child. Instead, he suggests a more probing question: "What is screen time replacing?" It's crucial for parents to observe what children might be sacrificing when they spend extended periods on devices. Are they losing out on interactions with friends, reducing physical activity, or struggling to complete their homework? These are pivotal indicators that screen time could be negatively impacting their healthy development.

The Role of Technology in Children's Lives

Recognizing that technology is integral to daily life, Dr. Todd acknowledges that devices offer educational opportunities, social connections, and conveniences that are part of modern living. Yet, he also stresses the importance of achieving a balanced approach.

Practical Tips for Parents

To help parents manage their children's screen habits, Dr. Todd suggests starting small with practical measures:

1. Establish No-Phone Zones: Creating times and spaces where phones are not allowed—such as during family meals—can nurture connections among family members. Dr. Todd proposes a simple ritual: "Set aside 20 minutes where everyone puts their phone in a pile and simply talks to one another."

2. Lead by Example: Parents should reflect on their screen usage, as children often emulate the behaviors of adults. If parents frequently check their phones at the dinner table, expecting children to refrain will likely be challenging.

3. Open Up Early Conversations: Dr. Todd advises parents to start discussing screen time with their children well before it becomes a problem. "It's not fair to suddenly impose rules when they reach their teenage years," he states. Encouraging understanding about the effects of screen time on sleep, mood, and academic performance is vital. Open-ended questions, such as, "Have you noticed that late-night phone usage makes it harder to wake up for school?" can promote dialogue.

4. Embrace Boredom: Surprisingly, Dr. Todd insists that boredom can be beneficial. It provides children with opportunities to think, daydream, read, or simply be present.

Final Thoughts for Families

Dr. Todd urges parents to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the challenge of screen time management. He suggests initiating small changes, fostering a sense of teamwork within the family, and remembering the ultimate goal: to cultivate habits that promote growth, learning, and healthy connections rather than completely eliminating screen time.

About AltaPointe Health

With a mission to support mental and physical well-being, AltaPointe Health delivers over 1 million primary and behavioral healthcare services annually to more than 45,000 individuals across seven counties in Alabama. As one of the leading behavioral health providers in the Southeast, AltaPointe features psychiatric hospitals, behavioral health crisis centers, and numerous outpatient clinics. The organization is dedicated to holistic care that recognizes the profound connection between mental and physical health. For more about how AltaPointe enhances community wellness, visit www.altapointe.org.