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5 Tips to Reduce Screen Time in Kids

The term "screen time" describes how much time a person spends using electronic devices with screens, such as computers, televisions, gaming consoles, cellphones, and tablets. It covers things like watching movies, playing video games, surfing the web, accessing social media, texting, and more.

Depending on how it is used and the information being consumed, screen time can have both positive and negative consequences. For instance, interactive learning platforms, online courses, and instructional apps can all offer worthwhile educational opportunities. On the other hand, excessive screen time, particularly when combined with improper or non-educational content, can have a negative impact on social interactions, sleep patterns, and children's and teenagers' social development as well as their physical and mental health.

"As a parent myself, I make an effort to keep my child occupied with a variety of activities. I make an effort to get her involved in a variety of activities, including reading, writing, coloring, dancing, and story-telling. Despite the fact that they have a number of apps and access to appropriate YouTube videos for their age. The table below shows the recommended screen time for each age group, and it's equally crucial."  

 Here's a chart summarizing the recommended screen time durations for different age groups:

Keep in mind that these suggestions are basic advice that can be modified depending on specific situations. The value of quality and education should take precedence over the amount of screen time. All children, regardless of age, may develop good screen habits with the aid of open communication and clear boundaries.

For children's overall health and development, it's crucial to limit their screen time.

Here are five ideas to assist you in achieving this objective:

1. Create a Positive Influence

Children frequently imitate the behavior of adults. It is more difficult for kids to comprehend the value of limiting screen time if they observe you spending a lot of time on screens. Set a good example for others by using screens in a healthy way.

2. Set Up Screen-Free Hours and Zones

 Set aside a few places in your house as screen-free zones, like the dining room and the bedrooms. Establish times during the day when screens are prohibited, such as before bedtime, during homework, and during meals. This promotes social interaction and alternate activities.

3. Provide Alternate Activities

 It offers a selection of entertaining activities free of screens. Encourage reading, puzzles, board games, crafts, outdoor play, arts and crafts, and other pastimes that foster creativity, physical activity, and cognitive growth.

4. Use Screen Time Wisely

 When using a screen, make sure the material is high-quality, age-appropriate, and informative. Choose instructional apps, documentaries, or interactive learning platforms that can constructively engage children's minds as opposed to mindless entertainment.

5. Set Your Kid’s Screen Time Limits

 Use parental controls and screen time management tools to limit your child's screen time each day. These capabilities are available on various operating systems and devices, allowing you to manage and keep a check on how much time you spend on screens. Reduce screen time restrictions gradually over time to aid children in adjusting

What is Happinetz? 

Happinetz is a safe internet for kids box that connects to your home router wired or wirelessly. Once connected, it creates a separate WiFi which filters out age-inappropriate internet and helps you set screen time schedules for devices connected to this WiFi. Happinetz continuously monitors more than 110 million websites and apps and is preconfigured to block more than 22 million adult and unsecured websites.

Some features include:

• Exhaustive filtering system
• Customizable internet schedule
• Insight to help parents monitor what websites & apps children are opening
• Quick setup: A quick 2 step-5 minutes process
• Zero kid involvement: No need to download apps on your child's device
• Device compatibility: Connect up to 10 devices, including Android or iOS phones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs.

This post is a part of Happinetz - Safe Internet For Kids 

Also read, 11 Clever Ways to Keep Your Toddler Productive

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Let's discuss how much screen time do you give to your kids? Also, 

What do you do to reduce their screen time?