WELLBEING

In this edition of SchoolTV - MANAGING SCREEN TIME

Screen-based devices are now an everyday part of young people’s lives, supporting learning, connection, entertainment and creativity. At the same time, many families are navigating the challenges that come with increased screen use, including setting healthy boundaries, managing digital conflict and finding a balance between online and offline life. It is important to recognise that not all screen time is equal, and how young people are using their devices matters just as much as the amount of time they spend on them.

Parents play a crucial role in modelling a positive and healthy approach to using screens and assisting children to navigate the content they watch. 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 you keep a balanced attitude. Encourage discussions around the issues that people experience in monitoring their screen time and be honest about your own difficulties.

Parents need to remain firm in their approach to managing screen time. 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 edition of SchoolTV, caregivers will be provided with a range of guidelines and strategies to help manage screen time at home.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact me via email at wellbeing@mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to the Managing Screen Time edition of SchoolTV

https://mckinnonsc.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/managing-screen-time

Kind Regards,

Patty Etcell

Head of Wellbeing