Hints and Tips for Sensible Smart Device Use by Children

Our survey shows that smart devices have a predominantly positive effect on families and children when they are used in moderation. Here we set out some hints and tips to help you manage how your children under the age of 10 on smart devices usage.

 1.       Do protect their eyes

When it comes to preventing eyestrain, the environment around the screen that the child is looking at is important.

Make sure there is plenty of light, preferably natural, around the screen without undue glare. They should position the screen at arms’ length and have regular breaks.

Also make sure the screen is regularly cleaned.

2.       Do prompt them about posture

Staring down at a phone or tablet increases the pressure on the cervical spine. Encourage children to use a screen ‘rest’ to hold the device more at eye level.

They may also like to lie on the floor on their back and hold it up.

3.       Do set an example

If you’re glued to your device too it’ll be harder to encourage your children to take a more balanced approach.

After all, the most important people they want to emulate are their parents. Set them an example of how you actively engage in other activities.

4.       Do set rules and expectations

As with all things, children respond best to clear expectations. Therefore have clear rules regarding their smart device usage.

These should be specific to your family and mirror the values you wish to teach your children about screen usage.

These may include set times and also take note of age-appropriateness. If smart device use is linked to your reward system you should establish this so that it is clear.

Make sure others caring for your child know the rules such as babysitters and grandparents.

5.       Do realise you’re the boss

It doesn’t matter what they say their friends are allowed, and it doesn’t matter that a decision may be unpopular - you’re the parent and you get to decide what is right for your child when it comes to screen time. Therefore don’t be afraid to enforce the rules.

6.       Do set time limits

Everything in moderation! Set time limits that you are happy with and provide the right balance for your family.

Make sure you also make clear what times of day it is and isn’t ok to use the device. And most importantly, you must follow through enforcing with the time limit.

7.       Do limit use before bedtime

Our survey showed bedtime is a prime time for using smart devices but it is detrimental to children’s sleep.

Replace screen time in the time leading up to bedtime with other quiet activities. For example, your child may like to read or be read to, listen to an audio story, or even play with modelling clay, as well as a firm favourite: bath time.

8.       Do vet and control the content

Don’t leave it up to luck what your child views or not. Again, you need to be in control. You decide which apps can be downloaded and accessed.

Additionally, use parental controls and security apps to further tighten your control of what they can see.

9.       Do monitor what they’re up to

Like most parents in our survey, you need to monitor what your child is doing on their smart device. Both have a look at their history, particularly if they are watching videos via channels such as YouTube, and sit with them as they use the device when you can.

10.   Do look out for signs of addiction

Smart devices can be addictive as per 74% of parents in our survey agreed.

Look out for signs of addiction such as:

• lack of interest in other activities;
• disruptive or aggressive behaviour when the device is removed;
• agitation when they aren’t able to use the device;
• being deceptive such as hiding their device to use after bedtime or breaking the rules.

If your child is addicted then setting tighter time limits or taking the device away temporarily can help to reignite other interests.

11.   Do take greater care with videos

Video from instant sites such as YouTube are a risk for adverts and inappropriate content slipping past your controls.

Children are also often enticed to view other videos based on something else. Therefore, either watch the videos with your child, download them for the child to watch later, or use a child specific channel such as YouTube Kids.

For older kids, keep the channels of communication open. Regularly discuss what they are viewing and encourage them to report to you anything which concerns them. If behaviour is deteriorating then consider whether the content of videos is the root cause.

12.   Do encourage other activities

Children thrive when they have a range of activities, including access to play stimulated by boredom.

Don’t always let them revert to the smartphone or tablet when there are cries of “I’m bored!” Instead give them other suggestions on what they may do such as playing outside, doing craft, reading, drawing, baking, or playing with their toys.

13.   Do spend time with them on the device

Don’t always let being on a smart device be a solitary activity. Try watch videos together or take turns playing a game.

Let them see that you are interested in what they are up to and what interests them. Ask questions and get discussion going.

14.   Do keep devices out of the bedroom

Make sure your children are using the smart device in a part of the home where you can hear and see what they are doing. This way you can more easily monitor content as well as check if your child is upset, frightened or confused by something.

15.   Do assume they can navigate the controls

The average age that kids can unlock and swipe to navigate their way around a touchscreen device is just two years old.

Chances are they are more adept at technology than you, or than you give them credit for. Therefore, don’t assume that they won’t be able to access something tucked away on a device.

16.   Do know your child

Some children are naturally more honest and rule-bound than others. Be realistic about how honest your child will be when you discuss their viewing and engagement with them. Back this up by monitoring their use.

17.   Do know what other options you have

Our survey showed that smart devices are often used as an easy way of entertaining kids, quickly and quietly, to allow parents both downtime and a chance to get on with other matters such as household tasks and even work.

If you’re finding this applies to you, consider what other options you have. You can book a babysitter to give you a few hours to get on with those tasks, for example, they aren’t just for nights out.

18.   Do know you’re not alone and let go of the guilt

Our survey overwhelmingly shows that you are not alone allowing your child to use a smartphone or tablet. Take comfort from knowing that, used in moderation and carefully, smart device use can be an excellent tool in your parenting toolkit.