In an increasingly media-connected world, sometimes parents struggle to know what exactly their kids are seeing, hearing and interacting with. Dan Olschwang is CEO of Magicalis, a company that aims to help solve this problem. His new app "Dawn" helps parents discover engaging and appropriate content for their kids.
As most schools in the region close their doors for winter break, kids will have some free time on their hands. Olschwang’s compiled a list of tips to help keep children from becoming dependent on TV and other media for entertainment.
1. Limit the length of each media sessions – Keep each session of media consumption limited to an hour and spend an equal amount of time spent in alternative activities.
2. Bundle all screen time and explain why - Combine video games, TV viewing and mobile device use together when setting limits on screen time. Screen radiation damages brain and eyes when viewed for long stretches and interferes with proper balance of hormones and vitamins.
3. Let the child decide, with some guidance – Guide them to physically active choices, but give them freedom and variety. Offer and alternate between a variety of activities, rather than dictating what kind of play, such as building LEGOs, reading, playing outdoors. If they constantly gravitate toward the same activity, suggest they choose something else at the next break.
4. Provide positive alternatives in media – When they are online or on a mobile device, find exciting apps, games movies that are creative, educational and fun without the negatives, such as violence and other mature-rated content they might be gravitating towards.
5. No media before bed time – End all screen time five hours before bed time to minimize the adrenaline rush towards the end of the day. Exposure to less exciting, less suspenseful and less scary content when finishing screen time should be advised. Calm content should be viewed last.
6. Talk to them as if they are adults – First, get yourself informed so you can explain to you child your consideration. Then start a dialog and explain your reasoning and where they come from. The "because I said so" line doesn't cut it.
7. Talk to them about their media consumption – Take the time to know what are the watching or playing. What is the take away lessons? Why is it right or wrong, does it reflect your family values? What is different from real life experiences/behaviors/attitudes from what they are seeing on the screen?
8. Remember, you are not your child entertainment squad – Believe it or not, being bored is important!! It forces them to use their imagination, creativity and find ways to entertain themselves. Being passively entertained constantly, inhibits the development of many important skills like resourcefulness, curiosity, etc.
