This article is sponsored by our partners at Comcast.
Is your kid addicted to their tablet? Can’t put their phone down? Well, you’re in luck! We have what you need to help your kids go on a tech cleanse.
Summer is time for kids to relax and have fun. Scrolling online could seem like a good way to do that, but did you know that studies show that more screen time can lead to increased anxiety and stress? According to the National Library of Medicine, researchers found that “those who depended on screens for entertainment and social networking had up to 19% more emotional stress and up to 14% more perceptual stress.”
Jaylon Demps, who works as a Comcast HR Director, knows how important connectivity is today. On the other hand, she also has a six-year-old son who just got his first tablet and needed some boundaries. To strike the perfect balance and help her son keep a healthy relationship with his tech, Jaylon implemented five key methods.
1. Establish ground rules early
Set ground rules as early as possible to ensure your child uses devices safely. Set screen time limits and create a clear separation ensuring your kid enjoys the outdoors, goes to bed without their device, and spends time with friends and family. With Xfinity Mobile, parents can easily create screen-free time and limit device use with the “Downtime” feature. The feature allows parents to monitor device usage and block apps or content.
2. Do your research to identify appropriate content
Every platform is different. Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and streaming platforms could feature content that isn’t the right fit for children. In order to appropriately identify family friendly content, parents can use Xfinity’s X1 platform.
X1 has a variety of kid-friendly content and programming easily accessible through the voice-enabled X1 remote. Its “Kids Zone” allows children and parents to browse through age-appropriate content (shows, movies and characters), and includes Parental Controls.
For families who enjoy watching summer sports, Xfinity will provide a personalized viewing experience on X1 for the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics that all can enjoy together.
3. Scale back when needed
The Mayo Clinic states that too much screen time can be linked to poor sleep, behavioral problems, eye strain, violence, loss of social skills, and more. These side effects might seem scary, but you can encourage your child to start to pull away from their device in small increments to avoid side effects. Brainstorm replacement activities so it’s less of a sudden change and easier to adjust. Encourage children to create a balance between their screen time and everyday life.
4. Offer support
Nearly half of U.S. teens in 2022 report that they have experienced some form of cyberbullying. To create a safe and welcoming digital environment, keep lines of communication open and help your kids understand what they might encounter online so they know how to avoid negative online experiences.
5. Use available resources
Comcast offers several options to help parents navigate the digital world with their kids, such as Xfinity’s xFi which allows parents to pause WiFi access throughout the home instantly or during scheduled times with the “Pause” and “Downtime” features.
“It’s important for parents to know they are not alone,” explains Jaylon. “It can be overwhelming, and sometimes just plain scary, to protect my son from more adult content available online. The great news is that companies, like Comcast, offer simple-to-use solutions to help you parent what they see on the screen. That is such a relief during the summer and year-round.”
By incorporating these tips and tools into your child’s life, you can create a healthier and more balanced summer – for everyone.
