Media and screens are


best used purposefully, to achieve a specified goal.


~Corinn Cross


tential digital addiction include strong reactions when devices are taken away, disinterest in “offline” activities, wors- ening of interpersonal relationships and dropping grades.


Modeling good practices is as important as monitoring kids’ behav- ior, suggests Cross. In her household, all electronic tablets and cell phones are kept in a drawer when not in use. “If I have work to do or have to take a phone call, I’ll go to another room, then come back and be present with the kids,” she says. “Quality, face-to- face time is important.”


Connect with freelance writer April Thompson, in Washington, D.C., at AprilWrites.com.


If people sat outside and looked at the stars each night, I’ll bet they’d live a lot differently.


~Bill Watterson


Four Ways to Set Digital Limits


tell them to put their devices away,” advises Pediatrician Corinn Cross. HealthyChildren.org/MediaUsePlan offers a free interactive online tool to create a personalized family media use plan.


If kids don’t comply with rules,


Kathy Marrocco suggests turning the Wi-Fi off at night or taking away devices altogether. But don’t leave a void, cautions Cross. Substitute fun, fulfilling activities.


K


eeping the family in sync about the amount of digital media use


is challenging. Here are some expert tips on maintaining a healthy balance.


1


Decide the ground rules — “Determine rules that make sense for everyone, and it’ll be much


easier to get your kids on board, as they won’t see it as arbitrary when you


2


Be wary of even “good” screen time — Test educational apps before approving them for kids to ensure their quality and so parents can help reinforce the learning, says Cross. She likes CommonSenseMedia. org for parental reviews and informa- tion to filter media of all kinds, from apps and games to TV shows. Consider advocating for limiting screen time in local schools. “I asked


my boys’ elementary school not to give them portable devices until they were 10,” says Nicholas Kardaras, the father of 9-year-old twins.


3


Watch out for rewards — Some screen time is more mesmerizing for kids than others, according


to Kardaras, who treats such addic- tions. Most video games are designed on a variable reward schedule, similar to slot machines, which intention- ally stimulates players to chase future rewards. Consider stricter limits on such media.


4


Play first in the real world — Because it reduces overall exercise, screen overuse can contribute to obesity. Cross recom- mends prioritizing exercising before daily allotted screen time; after being online, it’s more difficult to engage kids in physical activity.


natural awakenings June 2017 29


Subbotina Anna/Shutterstock.com


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