As a result of the global pandemic, there has been a noticeable shift in the amount of time people spend on screen-based devices.

Families are transitioning back to pre-COVID routines, but many are still struggling to re-establish the boundaries and rules around screen use. Some continue to deal with digital conflict and tech tantrums daily. The latest research found that 77% of teenagers spend more than five hours on screens per day, but it is important to note that not all screen time is considered equal. 
 
Parents play a crucial role in modelling a positive and healthy approach to using screens and assisting children to navigate the content they watch. Most parenting experts suggest that it is better to model and mentor screen use, rather than monitor it. Children tend to do more of what they see us do, and less of what we tell them to do. However, it is still important to outline the risks and highlight the benefits of screen use to ensure a balanced attitude. Encourage discussions around the issues that people experience in monitoring their screen time. 
 
Adolescent psychologist, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg encourages parents to remain firm in their approach to managing screen time as excessive screen time can be detrimental to a child’s overall wellbeing. Ensuring the correct privacy settings are in place is vital to prevent children from being inadvertently exposed to inappropriate content or online predators. Parents need to also be mindful of the potential impact screen time can have on a child’s social, emotional, educational, behavioural, and even physical domains. 
 
In this week’s edition of our weThrive Parent Wellbeing Platform, caregivers are provided with an extensive range of videos and articles including guidelines and strategies to help manage screen time at home. We hope you take the time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback. 
 
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the class teacher, Head of Year, or School psychologist to seek advice. 
 
To access the Managing Screen Time resources within our Parent Wellbeing Platform click here.