How to Set Boundaries for Screen Time and Social Media as a Parent

As a parent, you may be asking yourself how you can set effective boundaries around screen time and social media for your kids. How much screen time is too much? When does social media do more harm than good? How do you get your kids on board with your boundaries? Every parent approaches these questions differently, and every family will find unique solutions that work for them.

Let’s explore some helpful tips on setting boundaries for screen time and social media with your kids.

Show compassion

It can be challenging for kids to follow boundaries for screen time and social media for any number of reasons. They may worry that they are missing out when their friends are online. They don’t want to feel left out or left behind. Additionally, screen time has become an easy go-to activity during free time.

As a parent, it’s important to be compassionate and see the issue from their perspective. Implementing new boundaries will be easier if your kids feel like you hear them and understand their point of view.

Model healthy boundaries

One of the best ways to teach your kids about healthy boundaries is to set a great example for them. Consider implementing these boundaries:

• Put your phone away when you eat dinner together.
• Pick up a book at night instead of scrolling on your phone.
• Get outside and take a walk instead of refreshing your social media pages.

Of course, you may need to spend more time online than your kids for work but be thoughtful about how you engage with screens and social media around them. Your children look to you as a role model. It’s up to you to practice what you preach.

Emphasize other activities

One of the most challenging parts of creating boundaries for screen time and social media is that looking at our devices has become the default when we are bored, traveling from one place to another, or otherwise unengaged.

Emphasizing other activities can help your kids find new ways to enjoy their free time. School work, extracurriculars, exercise, socializing with friends, and even sleep should be a priority, but your kids may have their own ideas depending on whether they enjoy music, sports, dance, or other activities. Inviting your kids to weigh in on how they want to spend their non-screen time can help make boundaries stick.

Have meaningful conversations

You can start to implement more meaningful conversations with your kids that will help prepare them for what’s to come as they get older. You can discuss things like building credit, what to look for in their first job, or funding and saving for their college education. Whether you are interested in finding out how student loans work or exploring the best college savings plans, it’s never too early to do your research and make a plan.

It’s also important to talk to your kids about the importance of staying safe while they’re on social media. While social platforms can be a great way to stay connected, it’s best to think carefully about what they share and who they interact with. Encourage them to ask questions and let them know they can come to you if something online makes them feel uncomfortable or unsure.

Be consistent

Following any boundary gets easier if you are consistent about the behavior. Make a habit of putting your devices away at the same time every night—you and your kids. Have a weekly family game night instead of everyone sitting on the couch staring at their screens.

Of course, being consistent doesn’t mean you can’t revise your boundaries to serve your family’s evolving needs. That said, it’s helpful to hold off on making any big shifts until your kids are used to the existing boundaries so they don’t get confused about your expectations.

The bottom line

Learning how to set boundaries for screen time and social media is challenging for any parent. You know yourself and your family best. Prioritize what’s most important to you, get your kids involved, and don’t be afraid to try different approaches. You’ll find solutions that work for you.

Media Contact Information

Source: Northwestern Mutual

Contact: Don Klein, 1-800-323-7033

Country: USA