Bec and Asa were joined by Dr. Bruce Robinson to discuss excessive screen time for children and how parents can find a balance.
Bruce Robinson founded The Fathering Project, a university and research-based organisation.
“One of the things we’ve noticed in The Fathering Project is that virtually every single parent worries about excessive screen time,” began Bruce.
He said that in his research, he has found that many things don’t work. However, he was happy to report that there were three things that statistically do work.
1. Geography
He said the first has to do with location.
“They shouldn’t have any screens in their bedroom.”
Charging Station
A way to assist this is by having a charging lead in the kitchen, so they using a screen in a public space.
2. Distraction
“It’s not good enough to say, ‘You only have screen time after 5 o’clock or something’. You actually give them something to do in the meantime. Otherwise, they’re sitting there with their arms folded, furious, and it doesn’t help,” said Bruce.
Engage in Sport
“This is where you have a win-win, because you can get them out playing sport. which is a big deal nowadays because of the epidemic of childhood obesity.”
The additional benefits are making friends, having fun and outdoor distractions that keep them from missing a screen.
Time with Dad
Dr. Bruce said, this is often the times the fathers can engage with their children.
“Time for dads to not just sit down and do nothing but say, ‘Hey let’s go to the beach, have a milkshake.'”
3. Consistency
“You make the rules,” stated Bruce. “You don’t want to fight with your kids all the time, saying, ‘You’ve had too much screen time this week.’ You work out some rules.”
Rules can be consistently on the fridge as a frame of reference.
“Whenever there is a discussion, you can just point to the fridge.”
Bruce said it is about coming back to the agreement you’ve reached as a family. Whether it is homework and chores first, or only on certain days, it keeps things consistent.
“Be consistent so you don’t have to go into combat with your kids. You can relax, smile, point to something on the fridge, game over.”
Screen Time is Good
Dr. Bruce said that use of screens can be liberating for adults but require boundaries for children so it doesn’t become excessive.
“They’re not evil things, it’s just action time and the statistics show that those three things reduce screen addiction. It’s about screen addiction. And of course it makes kids lonely, they lose social skills, they don’t really have friends, they’ve got lots of Facebook friends.”
Bruce said it is more important for people to take inventory of who they have coffee with or speak to one-on-one.
Check out the full chat below.