You have a huge impact on how much time your kids spend in front of a screen.
This page is all about tools, apps, resources and tips to help you have conversations with your kids, reduce their screen time and increase their physical activity.
You are not alone. Many parents hear their kids say how unfair it is because “they are the only ones with limited screen time”. Obviously that’s not true so it’s important to talk to the parents of your kids’ friends. Work together and let’s do better for our kids. It’s also important to be honest with yourself – many parents are on their devices just as much as their kids and kids are aware – they notice and it has an impact on their desire to use devices too.
- Tips to get children sweating, stepping, sleeping and sitting the right amounts for optimal health (pdf)
- Personalized Family Use Plan
- The Ultimate Parent Guide for Protecting Your Child on the Internet
- Outside Play
- A Comprehensive Cyberbullying Guide for Parents
- Keeping Children Safe Online
- Smartphone and Social Media Safety
Apps for Parents
- Boomerang (www.useboomerang.com)
- OurPact (www.ourpact.com)
- YouTube for Kids (https://kids.youtube.com)
- Zen Screen (https://zenscreen.ai)
Useful Links
Ask the Mediatrician – Whether you’re a parent, educator, researcher, clinician, caregiver, or teen yourself, if you have a question or concern about technology and media, please use the form below to explain the situation and submit your question. The Mediatrician and his dedicated team of experts will endeavor to respond to you as soon as possible.
Tech Tips for the Home
- Fit in screen time around the other activities like family time, meal time, reading time, etc. Ensure your kids are getting enough sleep
- Disable wifi 2 hours before bedtime
- Limit access to router by devices
- Keep devices out of the bedroom
- No tv’s in the bedroom
- Get a phone with a limited txting plan and no data/limited data
- No devices at meal time
- Put computer in common area
- Make sure your iTunes/Google Play account isn’t connected (to prevent excessive purchases)
- Use Parental Controls to limit access (Music, Movies, TV Shows, Books, Apps (YouTube only 17+ allowed), Siri, Websites)