Managing screen time is a concern for many parents, especially those whose children are enrolled in online schools. The lines between educational and recreational screen time blur, making it essential for parents to take an active role in monitoring and managing their child's online activities. There are lots of steps you can take to help limit screentime and educate your child on the benefits of having time away from screens. Here are some practical tips that can help you to set healthy screen time boundaries at home.

Understand the School’s Curriculum

Get to know the online school’s curriculum and timetable. This will give you a better understanding of how much screen time is necessary for educational purposes. Once you have this information, you can plan the rest of the day’s activities to ensure a balanced screen time routine.

Using Parental Control

Parental controls are not just for blocking inappropriate content; they can also be used to manage screen time effectively. Both Apple and Google offer built-in parental controls that allow you to set daily screen time limits for different apps. Use these features to allocate specific times for educational apps and websites, ensuring that your child is not exceeding the recommended screen time for leisure activities.

Create a Structured Environment

Online schooling requires a structured environment to be effective. Create a dedicated workspace for your child that is free from distractions. This not only helps with focusing on schoolwork but also makes it easier to monitor screen time. Designate tech-free zones in the house, such as their bedroom, or encourage your child to explore activities away from the screen like reading, drawing or playing with siblings.

Encourage Physical Activity

Physical activity is crucial for a child’s overall development and can serve as a healthy break from screen time. Encourage your child to engage in physical activities like cycling, walking, or even simple exercises during their breaks. This not only helps to break the monotony of staring at a screen but also contributes to their physical well-being.

Set the Standard on Screentime

Children often imitate their parents or carers, so it’s important to set a good example when it comes to screen time. Limit your own recreational screen time and engage in activities that don’t involve screens. This sends a strong message to your child about the importance of a balanced lifestyle and encourages you to initiate activities away from a screen with your child too.

Monitor and Adjust

Finally, keep track of your child’s screen time and adjust as needed. Various apps and built-in features on phones, tablets and computers can help you monitor usage and set timers where necessary.

Read Meta School help students manage their screentime

We understand the importance of balanced screen time. Our school encourages screen breaks and has designed timetables that allow for focused, quality learning without overwhelming students with extended periods of screen time. We also regularly organise away days and in-person activity events to ensure that students have opportunities for physical activity and social interaction away from screens.