EVER wondered if your kids are spending too much time on screens, texting their friends, watching TV and playing games?

New research suggests that the average screen time for most teens is now 7.5 hours a DAY.

So what should we be aiming for?

According to chartered psychologist Catherine Hallissey, it's no more than two hours a day for kids aged 5 to 13.

However, rather than fixating on the number of hours, she recommends taking more of a mindful approach to tech. 

“It’s not that screens are bad, it’s just what are they displacing? That’s a much more appropriate question.”

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“As adults, we’re always talking about seeking balance and it’s the same for our children. 

“It’s not that screens are the problem – it’s just that they push out other things that are also beneficial. 

“You’re not reading or meeting with friends in person. You’re not learning to play guitar or piano."

Now, speaking exclusively to Fabulous, the parenting expert, shares the struggles that can come with too much screen time – and the best way to go about it. 

Most read in Fabulous

How much is too much?

As a parent of five kids between the ages of seven and 15, Catherine knows that while most have the intention of limiting screentime, it doesn't always work out. 

She said: “I think one of the biggest struggles is that parents are using screens when it’s convenient for them. 

“Yes, all of us are living lives that are really busy and intense, and we think, ‘I’ll just put on something for them now because it suits me'. 

“But then we tend to end up accidentally overusing it and getting really uncomfortable with the amount of screen time that our children are having. 

“So it’s this accident use of screens rather than the intentional use that I’m advocating.” 

The rules 

While there’s no clear guidelines due to the fact research about the long-term effect of tech is still ongoing, Catherine has some guiding rules she stands by.

“So under age two, screentime really is not recommended, unless it’s video calls with loved ones. 

“Over age two, you’re looking at no more than one hour a day of high-quality educational programming. 

“So again, it’s both quality AND quantity. 

“And then for age five plus, ideally no more than two hours a day, again of high quality. 

“You want to have that mix between fun, entertainment and socialising.”

When quizzing Catherine on an example of a programme she’d recommend, she explained that BBC’s Horrible Histories is a great example, as it’s both fun and educational, linking with subjects on the national curriculum.

Signs they’ve had enough

But while these guidelines might work for most, some kids will have a lower threshold when it comes to screen time. 

So what are the signs parents should be looking out for that indicate it’s time to log your little one off? 

My number one thing around helping your kids develop healthy technology habits is starting with yourself. The question to ask is, ‘would I be happy for my child to do as I do?’

“If your child is finding it really, really hard to turn off their screen – if they’re having a big meltdown that’s showing they’re not really coping. 

“Or if they’re showing limited interest in other activities. That’s usually a sign that they need support to develop their interests in other activities. 

“So think of it more as their behaviour is showing you that they need support, combined with your common sense.”

Three ways to make it work 

As part of her mission to encourage parents to be more mindful, Catherine suggested three easy steps parents can use.

This will help them keep an eye on the quality, quantity and impact this is having on their kids.

Her first tip – set the right example. 

“My number one thing around helping your kids develop healthy technology habits is actually starting with yourself. 

“The question to ask yourself is, ‘would I be happy for my child to do as I do?’ 

“If you’re happy with the amount of time you’re on it, then great, continue. 

“They’re really sensitive about hypocrisy as well. I have so many teenagers I work with who say, ‘my parents are always on my case about my phone, but they’re always on theirs’.”

Next – match screen time with ‘green time’.

This essentially means getting your kids outside after they’ve been watching TV or interacting with their friends online. 

She added: “Think when you say yes to screen time, what are you saying no to? And what do you need to balance it out with? 

“I talk about matching screen time with green time. That’s just simply outside time. 

“We know that children need to move their bodies. It’s part of how they regulate their behaviour and emotions. 

“So if your kids are sitting down for two hours, then they’re going to need to get up and move.”

And finally, for her third tip, the psychologist recommends making screen time a family activity as much as possible. 

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“The younger the child, the more you want to make screen time a family activity. 

“First you’re there to monitor content, and second of all, you’re joining them in their world. It’s much easier to turn the screen off if you’re already in their world with them.”

A post shared by Catherine Hallissey | Parenting (@catherine.hallissey)

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