How to manage screen time with kids home from COVID school shut down

Usually, we parents are trying to get children off devices at any cost. But with more students moving to a home schooling model, we need to rethink things, writes psychologist Brad Marshall.

In a matter of weeks, the coronavirus already has and is still changing most of our comfortable family routines.

I could rattle off a list of “non screen” activities for parents to encourage at home during this social distancing period like board games, painting, trampoline, card games …. the list goes on. But most parents, especially those with older children, will rebut through gritted teeth ‘this bloke is dreaming.’

Modern parents are asked to wear many hats. And in this age of technology apparently, we can add another to the never-ending list: general IT and screen/gaming expert. You all have time for that, right?

In my experience parents don’t care so much for the endless research and statistics in this field. They want real-world suggestions and strategies.

So let’s break this down nice and simple. I would put it to you that any screen/gaming overuse can be assessed in a “developmental model”. I’m talking about the impact it’s having on developmental domains: social development, behavioural development, education development, emotional development and health.

Health is not a traditional developmental domain, but under that category we are referring to any impact it’s having on sleep, exercise, eating, posture, self-care and hygiene etc.

With weeks and potentially months at home ahead of us, parents need to come up with a tech plan. Picture: iStock

So how will coronavirus – and potentially months of home schooling – change my child’s tech use?

Well, let’s tackle this one head on. No one has a crystal ball and we are all in new territory. But there is one thing that looks to be certain: our kids will be spending more time at home. Not just those who are sick or in isolation, but in general. Not to mention if schools are closed for any prolonged period and all the class work moves online.

Now many of you may be thinking that as a screen addiction expert I would be mortified by this, but the truth is no, not really. This is one of the many times screens and the internet will actually be helpful in our wellbeing and keep us connected. In saying that, as parents we still need to focus on our kids getting a balance. And in the current climate that has become much more difficult.

So, if we cast ourselves back to the developmental domains, we use the same framework but need to get creative. Take, for example, social development. Yes, some of your child’s social needs can be met online through seeing and playing games with their friends. (Emphasis on some.) We used to get that balance naturally through sending them to school or sport, but if these events are cancelled or scaled back due to coronavirus we as parents need to get creative.

Routine will be key in getting through this period. Picture: iStock

Are we able to set up old fashioned play dates with neighbours or other kids that are not in isolation? Perhaps being mindful about doing these in smaller groups and in controlled settings like the good old suburban back yard would do the trick? It’s a far better balance than your child being glued to a screen for 10-14 hours per day.

Another key to parents surviving this bizarre world will be routine. Regardless of what your teenager says or how they respond, they thrive on routine. So structure your child’s recreational screen use in a similar manner to how it would be if it was a normal school day. Gaming at 10.00am? That doesn’t sound like a normal routine. Social Media at 1.00am because there is no school tomorrow? Not going to work.

This period should not be treated as a holiday. Even if they have no work to do, screens off during school hours will induce boredom. And boredom usually leads to kids getting creative the old-fashioned way.

The bottom line is this: none of us are perfect parents. I’m fairly sure my kids will end up with more screen time should this crisis go down the path it’s headed. But I would encourage parents to continue to think about all of your child’s developmental needs, be creative, and do the best you can while we all ride this out.

Brad Marshall is a Psychologist, Director of The Internet Addiction Clinic @ Kidspace Sydney and author of The Tech Diet for your Child & Teen.

Originally published as How to manage screen time with kids home from COVID school shut down