Breaking Free from Screen Addiction: Strategies for Parents and Teachers
Anxiety and screen addiction are two of the biggest concerns parents face today. As educators and caregivers, it’s crucial to implement practical strategies that not only reduce screen time but also promote a child’s overall well-being. Here's how both families and teachers can take action to create a healthier balance in kids' lives.
“I ask my child to go to bed. He says, ‘no’ and continues to play his computer game. When he finally does get off, he is very moody!”
My work with parents involves meaningful discussions about what concerns them most. Anxiety and addition are the two biggest concerns for their children.
Screen addiction among young children is a growing concern, but families and teachers can implement effective strategies to help kids reduce their screen time. Here are some practical approaches:
For Teachers:
Incorporate Active Learning: Develop lessons that involve hands-on activities, group projects, and outdoor learning experiences, which can minimize reliance on screens in the classroom .
Limit Screen Use in Class: Establish guidelines for screen use in the classroom, reserving them for specific educational purposes and ensuring they do not become the primary learning method .
Promote Social Interaction: Create opportunities for collaborative group work that encourages children to communicate and interact face-to-face rather than through screens. Our children are losing basic skills in face to face human interaction. We can change their comfort level by creating meaningful opportunities.
Host Screen-Free Events: Organize events that encourage family participation without screens, such as family game nights, storytelling sessions, or outdoor sports days. Also, reading books with your children and discussing connections in their own lives, other stories and the world. I have provided a list below.
Educate Parents: Provide workshops or informational sessions for parents on the effects of screen addiction and effective strategies to promote healthy habits at home .
SEL Wisdom for Kids™ is a set of five social and emotional learning video lessons for kids ages 3-12, initially created for families who spend a lot of time together. Each lesson models an SEL cross-curricular approach, integrating Language Arts, Drama, Dance, Music, and Visual Arts, and extends with off-screen activities. For less than $20, you can get your copy today to have meaningful conversations, increase emotional vocabulary, develop empathy, understand different perspectives, and help kids manage their emotions. Click SEL Wisdom for Kids™ to start teaching your students tomorrow: https://offer2.margaretboersma.com.
For Parents:
Set Screen Time Limits: Establish clear rules about how much time children can spend on screens each day. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends no more than one hour per day for children aged 2 to 5 years.
Encourage Outdoor Activities: Promote physical play and outdoor activities. Create a schedule that includes family walks, bike rides, or trips to the park, fostering a habit of physical activity over screen time.
Be a Role Model: Parents should demonstrate healthy screen habits themselves. Reducing their own screen time can encourage children to do the same.
Create Tech-Free Zones: Designate areas in the home, like the dining room or bedrooms, as screen-free zones to promote family interaction and encourage reading or other activities. Take time to really connect with your kids generating discussions on things that really matter to them.
Engage in Alternative Activities: Introduce children to engage in non-screen activities such as puzzles, board games, arts and crafts, and storytelling to spark their creativity and interest.
Use Educational Content: If screens are used, opt for educational programming that encourages learning and interaction. Co-viewing content can also help children process what they see and hear.
By combining efforts at home and school, families and educators can help young children develop healthier relationships with technology and reduce the risk of screen addiction.
Remember, get your SEL Wisdom for Kids™ video lessons today. https://offer2.margaretboersma.com
Here are some great family books that can spark conversations and help develop Social Emotional Learning (SEL) skills:
For Younger Children (Ages 3-7):
"The Invisible String" by Patrice Karst
SEL Focus: Connection, Love, Comfort.
Discussion: Talk about the invisible ties that connect us to the people we love, even when we are apart.
"Have You Filled a Bucket Today?" by Carol McCloud
SEL Focus: Kindness, Empathy, Generosity.
Discussion: Encourage family members to think about how their actions affect others' emotions and how to be "bucket fillers."
"The Color Monster: A Story About Emotions" by Anna Llenas
SEL Focus: Identifying Emotions, Emotional Regulation.
Discussion: Help children recognize different feelings and learn how to express them.
"I Am Enough" by Grace Byers
SEL Focus: Self-Love, Confidence, Inclusivity.
Discussion: Explore themes of self-acceptance, empathy for others, and celebrating differences.
For Middle Grade Readers (Ages 8-12):
"Wonder" by R.J. Palacio
• SEL Focus: Empathy, Kindness, Resilience.
• Discussion: Discuss how Auggie and other characters handle bullying, empathy, and self-acceptance. Explore the importance of kindness and courage in difficult situations.
"Inside Out and Back Again" by Thanhhà Lai
SEL Focus: Resilience, Perspective Taking, Cultural Awareness.
Discussion: Talk about the challenges of adapting to new environments and how we can support each other through tough times.
"The One and Only Ivan" by Katherine Applegate
SEL Focus: Friendship, Compassion, Social Awareness.
Discussion: Discuss themes of friendship, fairness, and standing up for others, even when it’s difficult.
"Out of My Mind" by Sharon M. Draper
SEL Focus: Self-Advocacy, Inclusivity, Perseverance.
Discussion: Explore how we can better understand and include people who think, speak, or move differently.
For Teens (Ages 13+):
"The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens" by Sean Covey
• SEL Focus: Self-Management, Goal Setting, Responsible Decision-Making.
• Discussion: Explore how these habits can help teens build confidence, make good decisions, and stay balanced in life.
"The Giver" by Lois Lowry
SEL Focus: Emotional Awareness, Moral Development, Critical Thinking.
Discussion: Reflect on the importance of emotions, personal choices, and the value of both joy and pain in our lives.
"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
SEL Focus: Empathy, Social Justice, Courage.
Discussion: Talk about the themes of racism, empathy, and moral courage, and how these apply to modern society.
"Fish in a Tree" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
SEL Focus: Growth Mindset, Friendship, Inclusivity.
Discussion: Discuss how differences in learning can be strengths and the importance of supporting one another.
SEL-Related Themes to Discuss After Reading:
How characters handle challenges, conflicts, and emotions.
Moments of empathy, kindness, and teamwork in the story.
How family members can apply lessons from the book to their own lives and relationships.
Books are a great way to create bonding moments and discussions around SEL, helping children and teens develop emotional intelligence in a meaningful and relatable way.
