Nurturing Healthy Screen Habits: A Guide for Parents
Dear Parents,
I hope this newsletter finds you well. As we navigate the digital age, it's crucial to address the impact of screen time on our teenagers' well-being. In this edition, we'll explore the effects of screen time and provide guidance on fostering healthy habits in our teens.
How do children use screens?
Benefits of screen time:
Screen use provides a range of opportunities for creativity and learning –
- 70% of parents strongly agree that using devices is essential for their child’s development.
- It gives children access to a wealth of information to build their knowledge and technology takes away physical barriers to social connections to make children less isolated.
- The internet can also be inspirational for children with a certain passion, in particular when discovering content and sharing their own content.
Understanding the Effects:
Physical Health: Prolonged screen time can contribute to sedentary behaviour, affecting posture and physical health. Encourage your teen to take breaks, stretch, and engage in physical activities regularly.
Sleep Disruption: Excessive screen use, especially before bedtime, can interfere with sleep patterns. Establish a technology-free zone at least an hour before bedtime to ensure a better quality of sleep.
Social and Emotional Impact: Social media and online interactions can influence teenagers' self-esteem and mental health. Foster open communication with your teen about their online experiences, and guide them in developing a healthy perspective.
Setting Healthy Boundaries:
Screen-Free Zones: Designate specific areas in your home as screen-free zones, such as dining tables and bedrooms. This helps create a balance between online and offline activities.
Establish Screen Time Limits: Collaboratively set reasonable daily limits for screen time. Discuss the importance of quality over quantity and encourage them to explore various offline activities.
Educate on Digital Citizenship: Instil the values of responsible digital citizenship. Teach your teen about online etiquette, privacy, and the potential consequences of inappropriate online behaviour.
Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle:
Encourage hobbies: Help your teen discover and pursue offline hobbies and interests. Whether it's sports, arts, or reading, engaging in non-screen activities contributes positively to overall well-being.
Model Healthy Behaviour: Be a positive role model by demonstrating balanced screen habits. Your actions speak louder than words, and your teen is likely to adopt healthy behaviours by observing yours.
Emphasise Real-World Connections: Encourage face-to-face interactions with friends and family. Balancing online and offline connections is essential for the development of meaningful relationships.
Monitoring and Communication:
Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular check-ins to discuss your teen's online experiences. Create an open and non-judgmental space for them to share their thoughts, concerns, and any challenges they may be facing.
Use Parental Controls: Utilise parental control features to monitor and manage your teen's screen time. This can help set appropriate boundaries while respecting their need for independence.
Remember, the goal is not to eliminate screen time entirely, but to help teenagers develop a healthy relationship with technology. By fostering open communication and setting reasonable boundaries, we can guide our teens toward a balanced and positive approach to screen use.
As a school, we are committed to working with parents to keep children safe online. If you have any questions relating to staying safe online, please contact Helen Kerr, Deputy Head and Designated Safeguarding Lead or John Roberts, Director of Learning for Computing and Business and strategic lead for the use of ICT in school.
On Thursday of this week, Jess, who is one of our Year 13 students, played at the Equa concert in front of over 300 people at The Wiltshire Music Centre.
