How to Limit Computer Time for Children

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends only one to two hours of media time per day for children older than 2. If you want to limit your child̵7;s screen time, you can approach this issue in a variety of ways. At first, your child may be resistant to a change in his electronically charged habits, but, in the long run, you will be glad you got him unplugged and interested in other activities.

Instructions

    • 1

      Set up a daily schedule for your child and designate a block of time as computer time. This is the only time that your child should be on the computer, with the exception of homework and school projects. Write this schedule down and post it somewhere for your kids to see. To prevent fighting over the computer, assign time segments for multiple users.

    • 2

      Use a timer to keep track of computer use. You can use the parental controls on your computer to set up time limits for your children or download computer timer software. If you don̵7;t want to use either of these options, set a kitchen timer at the beginning of your child̵7;s computer time and let it be ̶0;the bad guy̶1; when it goes off.

    • 3

      Offer plenty of distractions. Your child doesn̵7;t need to waste the day away in front of a screen. Have lots of other ̶0;unplugged̶1; forms of entertainment. Stock up on board games, puzzles, cards, art supplies, building sets, books and sporting equipment to keep her busy.

    • 4

      Place the computer in a communal area, like the living room, and avoid placing it in your child̵7;s bedroom. You can̵7;t monitor the amount of time your child is using the computer or what he̵7;s viewing if you have the computer out of your sight.

    • 5

      Set a good example and don̵7;t spend hours on the computer. Assign yourself a block of computer time and stick to it. Of course, this excludes computer use for your job.

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