School is back in session! And with homework assignments, studying, and reconnecting with friends after a long summer break, that means your kids may be on their devices more than they have been during the summer months.
“It’s normal and healthy to break your usual ‘school year’ routine in the summertime,” says Alina Sardana, DO, board-certified family medicine physician at Highland Medical, Clarkstown Medical Associates. “But before the summer ends, start talking about how you and your family will get back into the swing of things, so everyone is on the same page and eases back into the new school year without any surprises.”
So how do we create or reestablish boundaries when it comes to using tech? The American Academy of Pediatrics has 5 tips on creating healthy digital habits:
- Build a family media plan. Work with your kids on setting rules for social media usage and talk about how our devices play a part in our everyday life.
- Family time vs. Screen time. Having dinner? Getting ready for bed? Set screen free times where the devices get placed in a particular area and leave them.
- Get “reel” about social media. Have open conversations about the content your kids are viewing. Talk about what is “real” vs. what is “edited,” and allow them to ask questions so you can get on the same page as well as reinforce the rules you have regarding social media.
- Be the good example. Practice what you preach—the rules don’t just apply to the kids. The adults need to put their phones down, too.
- Find the good stuff. There is plenty of informative, fun, and educational content being shared. Do your research and share it with your family during screen time.
