Once the novelty wears off and the boredom sets in, screentime habits can quickly become an issue for school-age children during breaks from the classroom.
Fortunately, the American Academy of Pediatrics walks parents through the process of making a family media plan. This interactive tool provides useful tips for making and printing a custom plan. It's flexible; users can revisit the plan, revise and reprint.
Here are some AAP guidelines can help set those summertime boundaries
- Check your children's media use for their health and safety.
- Stop use of devices or screens an hour before bedtime. Do not let your children sleep with devices such as smartphones.
- Plan media-free times together, such as family dinners.
- Decide on media-free, unplugged locations in homes, such as bedrooms.
- Engage in family activities that promote well-being, such as sports, reading, and talking with each other.
- Set a good example. Turn off the TV and put your smartphone on "do not disturb" during media-free times with your family.
- Use sites like Common Sense Media (www.commonsensemedia.org) to help you decide if movies, TV shows, apps, and video games are age- and content-appropriate for your children and your family values.
- Share your family media rules with caregivers or grandparents to help ensure rules are consistent.
- Talk with your children and teens about online citizenship and safety. This includes treating others with respect online, avoiding cyberbullying and sexting, being wary of online solicitations, and safeguarding privacy.