Experts Share Ways to Limit Your Kids’ Screen Time This Summer
I’m about to hit you with some cold hard facts: Kids ages 8-12 on average are spending 4-6 hours daily on their screens and less than 10 minutes outside engaging in unstructured play. These days, it’s difficult to get kids interested in good ol’ toys and games and activities that don’t require an on/off switch. Even if your child is too young to own their own phone or tablet with internet access, there are screen distractions everywhere.
And thanks or no thanks to a bevy of circumstances, like kids having more downtime and the sweltering weather that’s too hot for outdoor play, they’re spending more time on screens in the summer than during the school year, according to Michael Rich, pediatrician and director of the Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children's Hospital.
Experts agree it’s not about getting rid of screen time completely during summer vacation—that wouldn’t be fun for anyone—but rather striking a healthy balance between screen time and other tech-free activities.
You probably already have tons of screen-free activity ideas for kids (many of which are thanks to yours truly), but here are some clever tips on not just what to do, but how to have a semi-unplugged summer:
Create a list of ‘analog activities’ your family can enjoy, say tween parents Rea Frey and Alex Holguin, founders of the "Unreachable" podcast, which essentially is any activity that doesn’t require a screen. Even better, let the kids write out their own schedule for an ‘analog day,’ which gives them a sense of control.
Set a goal for outdoor play each day. Whether it’s ten minutes or a full hour, establishing a daily minimum for being outside will soon become part of your summer routine. And let the kids choose what they do outside, whether it’s walking in the park, building Legos, or drawing.
Sign up for virtual summer camp. For kids who aren’t the traditional outdoorsy camp type, see what your options may be for virtual camps that cater to their interests, such as cooking, art, or coding. This is a productive way to use their screen time. PS: Outschool has great online classes for kids across so many fun and educational topics.
Plan purposeful family activities. If I tell my kid we’re going to the zoo or a new playground or the pool, he’s thrilled and doesn’t even think about watching YouTube while we’re there. Put a few outdoor excursions or day trips on your summer calendar to switch things up. Better yet, make a summer bucket list or start new summer traditions.
Engage in a non-tech activity after a techy one. This method strikes a better balance instead of going from tablet to phone to TV to gaming, Frey says.
Use screen time as a bargaining chip. Okay, this won’t work for all types of parents, but it could be just the ticket to getting your child to complete their summer reading assignment. Let them earn screen time rewards after completing what they have to do first, whether that’s chores or summer work.
Stick to a summer schedule. Your kid may need more defined screen time limits this time of year, or require more flexibility. Keep to a daily schedule, but go with the flow on your screen time limits as you see fit and understand it may look different than it does the other 10 months of the year.
Set a good example. Yes, I love a good doom scroll as much as the next overtired, overstimulated mom, but our kids learn by observing their parents’ behaviors. Try to focus on your kids when you’re with them as much as you can, especially during the summer. You only get 18 summers with your kids! I try to give my son my all during our bedtime routine, so I keep my phone in a separate room to avoid distractions.
Cut yourself some slack. If one day your child is using their devices more than you’d like, don’t be too hard on yourself, Common Sense Media reminds us. Just like you might prefer to unwind with reality TV, your child may need a little bit of screen distraction while they’re on summer vacation too. Remember: A little more screen time isn’t the end of the world.
How do you plan to reduce (but not eliminate) screen time this summer?
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