Summer Screen Time: Helping Teens Balance Digital Use During Break

As summer approaches, teens eagerly anticipate the freedom from school. However, with this newfound unsupervised free time, the temptation to be glued to their screens is higher than ever. Without adult guidance, many teenagers would spend most of their waking hours behind a screen.

If your child says, "everyone is doing it," they may be correct. But that doesn't mean there aren't serious consequences. Let's explore strategies to limit your teen's screen time this summer and how it can benefit your whole family.

The Summer Screen Surge

During the school year, structured schedules often help limit screen time. But summer break disrupts this routine, leading to an increase in media multitasking—using more than one medium at a time, like watching TV while scrolling through social media. A 2010 study by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 8- to 18-year-olds devote an average of seven hours and 38 minutes to entertainment media daily. When accounting for multitasking, this exposure rises to about 10 hours and 45 minutes of media content each day.

Consequences of Excessive Screen Time

Excessive screen time is linked to several issues, including:

• Obesity: Sedentary screen time can contribute to weight gain.

• Social Interference: It can hinder social activities and family interactions.

• Mental Health: Overuse of electronics can negatively impact mental health.

However, parental monitoring of a child's media use can have protective benefits on their academic, social, and physical outcomes. Strategizing on how to set limits is worth the effort and resistance you might face.

Effective Strategies for Limiting Summer Screen Time

Make Screen Time a Privilege

Screen time should be seen as a privilege that needs to be earned, not an inherent right. Teach your teen to complete chores or participate in family activities before turning on the TV or computer. The lesson of delaying gratification and controlling impulses will benefit them long-term.

Role Model Healthy Habits

Teens learn more from what you do than what you say. Limit your own screen time and demonstrate making choices between engaging with electronics and other activities.

Establish Clear Rules

Most teens need guidance to manage their electronics use responsibly. Set rules to keep your teen safe and help them make good choices. For example, establish a set time when screens need to be turned off at night and remove screens from bedrooms.

Encourage Physical Activity

Encourage your teen to exercise, whether it's walking, playing catch, or doing yard work. Think of activities you can enjoy as a family. This not only enforces time away from screens but also benefits their physical and social health.

Educate Your Teen

Discuss various aspects of media, such as how advertisements work, the impact of violence exposure, and how to be an informed viewer. Regular conversations can help them understand and navigate media content critically.

Electronics-Free Mealtimes

Turn off the TV and ban text messaging or web surfing during meals. Use this time to talk about your day and strengthen family bonds.

Screen-Free Days

Occasionally, have a screen-free day or a longer digital detox, like a week-long vacation from electronics twice a year. This ensures that everyone has non-digital activities they enjoy.

Schedule Family Activities

Engage in activities that don't involve electronics, like playing board games or going for a family hike. Make it clear that during family time, electronic use is off-limits.

Hold Family Meetings

Discuss screen time use during family meetings. Allow your teen to give input about the rules and work together on problem-solving. This approach helps everyone develop a healthy relationship with electronics.

Benefits of Limiting Screen Time

Limiting screen time not only mitigates risks but also opens up opportunities for teens to engage in other valuable activities. Considering the average teen spends almost 3000 hours a year behind a screen, think about what else they could be doing with that time—building social skills, pursuing hobbies, and improving physical health.

By implementing these strategies, you can help your teen develop a balanced approach to screen time, fostering healthier habits that will benefit them throughout their life. This summer, encourage your teen to make the most of their break by exploring activities beyond the screen, creating memories that will last a lifetime.