Is Screen Time Bad for Kids? Passive vs Creative Explained
Let’s talk about screen time.
All my kids want to do is play on their devices! And sometimes, that’s what I want to do too! After a long day at school, just loafing around watching a show or playing hours of video games sounds like the dream. Why put in more effort? It’s easy to let entertainment become our main activity. Plus, the adrenaline rush from video games and scrolling can be completely addictive. No wonder we all love it so much!
Screen-time can be a blessing, a curse, a reward, a punishment. But it is certainly an issue that we as parents have to deal with. Each family does this in different ways. I know some families that have very little screen time of any kind. I know some families that don’t set any limits. There are pros and cons to both, I think, and any caring parent will consider their situation and their own kids when they make those decisions.
What is Passive Screen Time?
This is the stuff that I want to keep in check the most. Scrolling, lounging, watching things just for the fun of it. This is not BAD screen time – We all need time to unwind and just…be passive. When it’s in excess, I believe it can be detrimental. I don’t want my kids to develop a lifestyle of laziness. I want a lifestyle of development. Developing themselves in character and talents.
What is Creative Screen Time?
My concern has to do with consumption. What are you consuming on the screens? I often say to them something along the lines of, “don’t consume other people’s talent and not develop your own.” (It’s usually not that eloquent). I want them to be inspired by what they are watching to do something for themselves. And it does work. They are exploring the backyard searching for bugs to study because they watch a youtuber who teaches about bugs. My young son has gotten into physics because of Mark Rober’s channel. My older son has excelled at drawing through watching tutorials online. And of course, we can play video games together for quality family time. Not everything has to be about learning! That’s exactly why I created my video tutorial drawing books. I saw potential in using screens, which they already love, to guide them through learning and build their confidence. That to me is the definition of creative screen time!
How I Handle Screen Time at My House
In my case, I have changed my view on screen time when I became a mom and as they grow into different stages of life. When they were young, I didn’t let them play with my phone or watch iPad or anything like that. As they got older, they got video game systems and Chromebooks at school. Screens became more a part of their lives. And to tell the truth, they are more a part of my life too. I still have strict parental controls. No one is allowed on YouTube without my password. All devices connected to the internet must stay downstairs. I don’t allow them to be connected to the internet on any video games, yet. And, we still don’t allow any screens in the car (unless the ride is longer than an hour) or at restaurants. This helps with regulating behavior and learning how to be bored. I can’t believe this is a skill now, but it is!
What About Social Media?
I draw the line at social media. I don’t see any benefit in children and young teens having access to everything the world has to offer, good and bad. Even adults can suffer from social media, but we’re more likely to have the autonomy to recognize it and do something about it. The only access my kids have so far is watching Instagram videos, with me, that I control. I think it will help them learn, they don’t have to give attention to everything that pops up on a screen and we do have control over what we do and do not watch.
You Make A Difference
We live in a digital world and we as parents are navigating it. It can be painful to tell your kids no or give limits. We may even feel guilty about not following our own rules! Your routine with your kids and their entertainment might even feel out of control and overwhelming. But remember, you are the parent and you get to decide how things run in your home. You have the permission to change things that you don’t like. There will be consequences and it will be uncomfortable but your children’s character will be better for it. Screen time is enjoyable. It can be relaxing and low effort. It can be exciting and challenging. Using it to edify yourself is the key!
💚 MH
