Effects of Screen Time & Children’s Mental Health
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to model healthy digital behavior and engage in screen-free family activities like cooking, hiking, and reading together – look below for 10 fun family activities. The session also stresses the need to cultivate a growth mindset in children, helping them develop resilience and balance in a technology-driven world.
Instant Insights
Deep Dive
Key Takeaways
Recognize Anxiety is Valid:
Understand that your child's anxiety is significant and valid, even if you don't fully understand it.
Curiosity over Judgment:
Approach your child's anxiety with curiosity rather than judgment, and pay attention to when and how anxiety manifests.
Understand the Message Behind Anxiety:
Anxiety is like an alarm triggered by perceived threats. Identify what your child's anxiety is trying to notify you about—whether it's physical, emotional, or external threats.
“Move Toward” Anxiety:
Instead of fighting against anxiety, move toward it with compassion and understanding. Help your child become curious about their anxiety and separate it from their identity.
Address the Anxiety's Needs:
Understand what your child's anxiety needs—whether it's safety, validation, or a physical outlet. Collaborate with your child to address these needs effectively.
Practical Strategies for Support:
Utilize practical strategies like physical activity, creating a safe environment, and managing expectations to help your child manage their anxiety effectively.
Empower Communication:
Encourage open communication by asking powerful questions such as what their anxiety is trying to tell them and what they need to calm their anxiety.
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10 Unplugged Activities You Can Do with Your Family
- Cook Together: Engage in cooking meals as a family, promoting collaboration and creativity.
- Nature Walks or Hikes: Take walks or hikes together to enjoy the outdoors and have meaningful conversations.
- Read Together: Read books aloud as a family or have a designated family reading time.
- Sing Together: Enjoy singing songs together, which is both fun and beneficial for mental health.
- Exercise as a Family: Participate in physical activities, like biking or playing sports, to encourage a healthy lifestyle.
- Journal Writing: Encourage kids to write in journals, reflecting on their day and thoughts.
- Family Game Nights: Plan regular game nights with board games or card games to foster family connection.
- Device-Free Car Rides: Use car rides as an opportunity to talk and connect without distractions from devices.
- Spend Time with Pets: Involve the family in caring for and playing with pets, which can be a relaxing and bonding activity.
- Plan Family Traditions: Create special family traditions or activities, such as weekend picnics or birthday celebrations, to draw kids away from screens.
Additional Resources
Understanding and Mitigating the Effects and Impact of Screen Time on Children’s Mental Health
As digital technology continues to weave itself into the fabric...
What Language Can We Use To Be More Effective When Addressing Phone Time?
How Can We Have Conversations With Our Spouse About Screentime?
How to Work With Your Child to Manage Smartphone Use
How to Handle Screen Time and Aggression
How Digital Media is Changing Our Children’s Mental Health
For school leaders & community organizers, click here for additional resources.
