Media | Dr Kristy Goodwin

Managing sad or distressing news in the media

February 26, 2016 by Kristy Leave a Comment

Our screens and print media are filled with distressing current global events. Sadly, natural disasters, shootings and terrorist attacks infiltrate our news feeds, newspapers and TV screens on a daily basis. In recent times, there have been some very distressing global events that are heavily reported in the media.

This information and footage can be distressing for adults, but even more so for children who don’t yet understand the magnitude of such events. Children are often still developing their emotional skills that are required to process and cope with such situations. Yet, they’re being bombarded with confronting footage on their screens and are often consuming second-hand news via their siblings’ and parents’ devices.

Depending on the age of your child they won’t yet have the same hindsight and rational thinking skills that we have developed as adults. This means that if they’re hearing and seeing the same message repeatedly, via the media, they may think that it’s a catastrophic experience happening everywhere and that they will somehow be involved. Often after natural disasters or terrorist attacks, or distressing events there’s limited video footage and images available so the same media is replayed and re-used repeatedly, which gives some children the impression that they event is occurring again and again.

Children also may be unable to localise the experience and may fret that the same event may occur to them. They may also not articulate this fear to you, but it is something that they may instead internalise.

Whilst it’s sometimes very difficult to completely shield young children from distressing global events, we can minimise their exposure.

Here are my tips when there’s distressing world events reported in the news:

1. Minimise exposure– Even though it’s difficult to do, try to avoid exposing your child to the news about the distressing global event, especially if they’re under 7 years of age. This might mean avoiding the TV news or reading the newspaper around your children for the next couple of days. If you want to keep up to date yourself, use passive forms of media (social media away from kids, or reading newspapers when they’re not present). Preschoolers, in particular, should be shielded from such media coverage as they find it very difficult to discern fact from fantasy.

2. Mind your conversation– Be mindful about discussing the events in front of your children. They’re observing and listening, even if they don’t appear to be interested. They may not ask you questions, but often they’re internalising and taking in the information (yet they may not have the hindsight and emotional resources required to process the information).

3. Reassure children– For children who have heard about the event, talk to them, reassure them that they’re safe and answer any of their concerns. It’s also an opportunity to address any of their misconceptions (often they hear inaccurate, second-hand recounts from peers). Assure your child that they can ask you questions, so that they can validate any information.

4. Watch with them– If your child is old enough to discuss and see footage of the catastrophic events, try to co-view where possible. This allows you to answer any questions immediately and help them to contextualise and localise the events. Remember, most news content is designed for adult viewers, so it may not be age-appropriate (even if it shows up as ads on children’s websites and apps). In addition, given the ubiquity of mobile devices, there’s now a lot of live, ‘raw’ and unedited footage available, which can be very distressing for children to watch, but very easy for them to access.

Please SHARE this with other people if you feel that it will help.

I talk to parents throughout Australia about screen-time and how parents can help their children use technology in healthy and helpful ways (and also minimise any potential risks). Click here

How Much Screentime for Children?

February 24, 2016 by Kristy 1 Comment

Today’s children, often referred to as ‘digital natives’ or ‘Gen Z’ are growing immersed in a digital world. Technology is having a direct and dramatic impact on young children’s childhood and is shaping the ways in which they learn and develop. We are at an interesting juncture in terms of childhood: we now know more than ever about how brain architecture is built because of advances in neuroscience and at the same time we are witnessing exponential growth in the availability of digital and interactive technologies marketed towards young children. We now have a significant corpus of neuroscientific research that informs us about the essential building blocks required for optimal brain development. However, we are yet to map this research to digitalised childhoods. [Read more…]

Please Minimise Your Child’s News Exposure

November 17, 2015 by Kristy Leave a Comment

The recent siege in Sydney is upsetting for adults, so we must be even more mindful of what our children are being exposed to directly or even indirectly through the media and also their peers.

Here are my tips when there’s distressing world events reported in the news:

1. Even though it’s difficult to do, try to avoid exposing your child to the news about the Sydney siege, especially if they’re under 5 years of age. This might mean avoiding the TV news or reading the newspaper around your children for the next couple of days. If you want to keep up to date yourself, use passive forms of media (social media away from kids, or reading newspapers when they’re not present).

2. Be mindful about discussing the events in front of your children. They’re observing and listening, even if they don’t appear to be interested. They may not ask you questions, but often they’re internalising and taking in the information.

3. For children who HAVE heard about the event, talk to them, reassure them that they’re safe and answer any of their concerns. It’s also an opportunity to answer any of their misconceptions. Make sure you assure your child that they can ask you questions, so that they’re not hearing information second-hand or hearing misconceptions.

4. Remember, depending on the age of your child they will not have the same hindsight and rational thinking skills adults have. This means that if they’re hearing the same message repeatedly, via the media, that they may think that it is a catastrophic experience happening everywhere and that they will somehow be involved. They may not be able to localise the experience. They may also not articulate this fear to you, but it is something that they may instead internalise.

Please SHARE this with other people if you feel that it will help.

Why Background TV Isn’t Healthy For Little Ones

August 26, 2015 by Kristy Leave a Comment

Leaving the TV switched on throughout the day is commonplace in many homes. It’s often just the “done” thing.

So parents are often quite shocked to learn that there are unintended consequences of “background TV” on their child’s development.

I live by the mantra by Maya Angelou, “When you know better, you do better.” I start this blog post with this mantra, because I’m going to share some information that most parents are completely unaware of. I’m not trying to make parents feel guilty because I understand, as a parent myself, that we already have enough to fret and worry about, without feeling unnecessarily ‘guilty’ about TV.

Background TV is harmful for little ones

Also referred to as “second-hand TV”, background TV is often considered to be a benign part of everyday life. But it’s not! Second-hand TV can have an adverse effect on how children develop, particularly their language skills.

It’s not obvious to think that background TV could adversely impact on young children’s development. This is one of the reasons I started my business. I feel passionate about bridging the gap between what research tells us about how children learn and develop in the digital age and what parents (and teachers) need to know. And it’s not always obvious or intuitive to know (remember we’re the first generation of parents who are navigating this digital terrain with our little ones).

And understanding the adverse impact of background TV is really important for today’s parents (especially considering there are more and more digital devices entering family homes).

How much background TV are children exposed to each day?

A US study reported in the Pediatrics journal has shown that today’s American children are exposed to nearly 4 hours a day! As an average, there are some children who are being exposed to even more than 4 hours of TV each day. This is a huge concern.

So what impact does background TV have on young children?

Background TV interferes with how children play. Just because children aren’t staring at the TV with their mouth ajar or gesturing at the screen, doesn’t mean they’re not watching it. Children may not appear to be ‘watching’ but their attention is often drawn to the sound effects or bright lights of the TV. Research has shown that children’s sustained attention is lower when there is background TV. As a result, their play is interrupted as they drift in and out of TV viewing. Children’s self-talk is also significantly less when there is background TV. Play and language are absolutely vital for young children’s development. We must therefore protect the conditions which optimise play and language. And this means, switching off TV (and other digital devices) that can potentially interrupt their play experiences. (Background music is not as distracting as TV and other screen-based digital devices as explained in this post).

Parents tend to engage less with children when the TV is on. Children lose their conversational partner when the TV is switched on. When we’re watching TV (particularly if it’s something we’re engrossed in) then we’re not able to respond to our children in the same way that we would, if the TV had not been switched on.

I’m not proposing that we should never watch TV in the presence of our children. This is not sensible (or practical) advice. [Total disclosure- I watch the morning news most days while the little ones are playing and I don’t feel guilty about that.) However, we need to be mindful of how our children might be distracted when a TV is constantly turned on throughout the day, or during play times.

This is especially the case for very young babies who are often fed by parents who are consumed with screens (smartphones, tablets or TV). As a Mum, I understand first-hand how many hours are dedicated to feeding a baby and how TV viewing helps, especially in the wee hours of the morning when we’re exhausted, or when you simply need to ‘escape’ or have some down-time. However, it’s essential that TV is not the norm at every feed, as babies, in particular, need face-time (real face-to-face interactions with lots of eye contact). This is where they engage in facial mapping and other critical interactions that build their brains. Click here to read more.

Background TV has been shown to impair academic performance. Research has also shown that children who are exposed to excessive amounts of background TV have reduced performance on cognitive tasks. Long-term and excessive background TV can impact later on, in terms of how a child learns. Excessive amounts of background TV has been shown to be correlated to poorer attention spans. It’s important to note that this doesn’t mean that background TV causes attentional issues. There’s simply a connection- perhaps children with attention issues gravitate more towards TV.

Important To Know

I’m not suggesting that TV, per se, is ‘bad’ for children. That is not true. In fact, we have ample evidence to suggest that appropriate TV content actually helps children to learn. There are numerous studies that have shown that appropriate content can help children develop basic learning skills, social competence and even emotional control.

As parents, we just need to be mindful how much we are exposing children to TV. As a children’s media researcher I feel it’s imperative that parents are at least aware of what the research actually tells us about background TV. Ultimately, it’s up to individual families to make choices about how they will use TV in their household. I hope this post has provided some evidence so parents can make informed decisions.

When no one is watching the TV, switch it off.

TV is one of the topics I talk about in my Parenting in the Digital Age Parent Seminar. I translate the research into essential and digestible information for today’s modern parents. Find out more here.

Were you aware that background TV was potentially harmful for young children? How do you manage background TV with your kids?

I talk to parents throughout Australia about screen-time and how parents can help their children use technology in healthy and helpful ways (and also minimise any potential risks). If you’re interested in having me speak at your pre-school, school local council or community group, Click here to find out more.

Response to 60 Minutes Episode: Toddler Tech Addition?

July 29, 2015 by Kristy Leave a Comment

The 60 Minutes episode called Screen Addicts has caused much concern amongst parents and early childhood educators.

I’ve been inundated with parents of young children asking me to share my insights so I thought this blog post would answer some of your questions and help guide you in terms of how to manage children’s screen-time in healthy and sustainable ways.

The full 60 Minutes episode can be viewed here: http://www.9jumpin.com.au/show/60minutes/stories/2015/july/internet-addiction/

Raising “screen-agers” isn’t easy. Many children today are plugged in and switched on constantly, leaving little time for other pursuits. This isn’t healthy and it’s impacting adversely on their development. And it’s terrifying parents and educators.

So it would seem natural to assume that they’re “addicted” to screens.

But is it an addiction or is it something else?

Toddlers and young children aren’t addicted to technology

The 60 Minutes episode suggested that toddlers and young children are “addicted” to technology. I don’t believe this is the case, especially with children aged under 8 years of age.

Instead, I propose that young children, under 8 years of age, have formed unhealthy “attachments” to technology. They’re not addicted.

Toddlers and young children can certainly form “obsessive” or compulsive” relationships with technology. The techno-tantrums that often result when you ask for your smartphone to be returned, or to switch of f Peppa Pig are intense (I’ve weathered the storm too!).

So we often think that this means that our child’s addicted. But they’re not. They’ve simply formed unhealthy attachments to the technology.

Many of today’s young children have simply formed unhealthy attachments to technology.

Toddlers and young children don’t yet have the self-regulation skills required to manage technology. As parents, it’s a digital prerogative to show children how to manage technology… otherwise it will manage them.

And this is beginning to happen with many children today.

Why are they mesmerised by devices?

When young children use technology their brains are often getting squirts of the neurotransmitter dopamine. This is the feel-good transmitter that the brain releases. They naturally want more and more of it.

So does this mean that we should abstain from using technology with little children?

No, it means that we have to be careful about what technology we use with our little ones and we need to have clear parameters about when, where and how long they can use technology.

Not all screens are created equal. Some screen activities are more likely to lead to stronger attachments to technology. For example, using apps and websites where children are constantly rewarded and praised is much more likely to lead to stronger attachments to technology. They simply want their dopamine squirts.

It’s not “digital heroin”. Problematic and psychological issues arise when technology isn’t carefully managed.

We don’t want our children to have a digital dependence. We want to empower our children to manage technology, as they’ll inherit a digital world that constantly pulls on their attention.

Children need moderation not abstinence. We need to come up with a “media management plan” with each of our children. This will evolve and change over time, but we need to proactively plan how our children use technology. Otherwise we’re making decisions on the fly and we all know how clever children are at “pester power”.

How do we avoid the digital pitfalls with our kids?

We need to establish and enforce boundaries with technology. We need to plan how much they watch each day or week (depending on your). This is a “media management plan”.

We also need to think about what they’re watching, with whom they’re watching it (using technology with someone is so much better than using it in solitude), why they’re using technology (is it always being used as the “digital pacifier” or are we using it intentionally?) and when they’re watching it (we know that sleep habits and hygiene can be compromised by screens).

Parents need practical strategies to help them manage children’s screen-time so that they don’t form unhealthy attachments to technology. We need to be able to cope with the “techno-tantrum” and not give in to their (desperate) pleas for “just one more level and then I’ll switch it off”. We need to establish and enforce limits and this isn’t always easy (as a parent I know just how hard this can be).

This is such a critical issue that we must discuss. We can’t ignore or ban the technology altogether. This isn’t a feasible solution for our kid that will inherit a digital world.

Instead, we need to equip our children with the skills and strategies to tame their tech habits (from the moment we hand over a smartphone to a toddler).

How do prevent children getting seduced by the digital vortex?

It sounds so simple, but it really comes down to balance.

We need to value and encourage children to play, be physically active and foster relationships. These things can happen with technology, but they must also take place away from screens and gadgets.

We also need to teach children how to switch off. This is a critical skill that many adults are struggling to master. We need to teach our children how to tame technology or it will tame them. Mindfulness training is critical in the digital age.

We need to teach our little ones how to manage and direct their attention. This is the most critical skill we can equip our children with in the digital age.

In the comments below, do you think young children are addicted to technology?

My 2015 Tech-Solutions

January 19, 2015 by Kristy Leave a Comment

Like most of us I love the new-year period. It’s an opportunity for a fresh start. It’s a time of restoration. It’s a time to set some new intentions.

I’ve set my goals, picked a theme word for the year and set some core-desired feelings. These are the things that I know that alot of us do at this time of the year.

But this year I’ve also done something different. I’ve set some tech-solutions (for myself and my family).

These are my new-year technology resolutions. I know that managing my gadget use is essential for me.

I need to consciously create healthy boundaries around how I use technology. Otherwise, I can get sucked into a digital vortex. I can easily become “digitally obese”.

And I know that this isn’t healthy or sustainable for me or my family. And it’s certainly not setting a good example for my children (because we know that they inherit our digital habits).

My 2015 Techsolutions:

No email or social media first thing in the morning. I know that when I scroll through my phone first thing in the morning, or launch into emails, it starts the day on the wrong foot. Energetically, it just doesn’t feel right. I seem to adopt a frenetic energy. And for me, as an early riser (I get up at 4am), my brain is firing on all cylinders at this time, so it’s an important time to work (not just consume information as I do on social media or email checking).
No screens in the 60 minutes before bed. If you’ve ever heard me present a Parent or Teacher Seminar you know that I stress that children really need to have a 90-minute period before bed that’s screen-free. I’ve tried this, but sometimes it’s not do-able. So I’m setting myself a realistic goal and saying that all of my devices will be switched off at least 60 minutes before bedtime each night (please boot me off Facebook if you see me responding at night!).
Sacred screen-free time each day. I’ve tried “Screen-free Sundays” and “Screen-sabbatical Saturdays”, but it just hasn’t stuck. I find it too restrictive to specify an exact day of the week in advance (and if I’m really honest, adhering to a whole day is sometimes really difficult). Instead, I’m committing to regular screen-free time each day. Over the summer holidays I realize how important this time is for me. Now that I’ve taken up surfing I need lots of time to practice, so it’s the perfect opportunity to unplug from devices, even if only momentarily. I know that my brain is better after a tech-break so I’m planning more of these in 2015. I’m just not specifying when they’ll be each week.
Car= screen-free zone. I certainly don’t use my phone whilst I’m driving unless I’m taking a call on hands-free. But I’m raising my hand to say that I have previously been known to check my email or respond to email whilst sitting at the lights waiting. I know, I know that’s not good (especially with two pairs of eyes watching on form the backseat). So it’s going to stop. I’m going to put my phone in the glove-box whenever I drive now, just so there’s no temptation to pluck the phone out “just quickly”.
Social Hours. Another guilty confession from me. I sometimes use social media too much (and justify it telling myself it’s for “work purposes”). I noticed during my summer screen sabbatical, just how conditioned I’d become on scrolling through my Facebook or Instagram feeds. It was a like a guilty indulgence. So this year, I’ve scheduled in set times each day where I can use social media. This gives me clear parameters as to when I can use it, so that it doesn’t end up as a continuous, all-day activity (please feel free to remind that I shouldn’t be on Facebook if you see me lurking or commenting during the day…I’m still working on this one).

Mr 4’s Techsolutions:

School days= screen-free days. Please let me preface this one by saying that this doesn’t have to be the hard-and-fast rule at your house. But for us, I’ve noticed that screens before school disrupt our rhythm. I know the minute Mr 4 uses the iPad (even if just for 10 minutes) the more chaotic our mornings are to get ready for pre-school. And they’re crazy enough as they are. We started off with this media habit in 2014, but became a bit lax towards the end of 2014. So it’s time to set up the new year the right way.
Increased interactivity. Mr 4 LOVES watching You Tube (yes, it often surprises people to know that even children’s technology experts allow their children to watch You Tube). He loves watching animal and dinosaur documentaries, with a side of machinery videos (as many little boys do). But I know that this is very passive use of technology (which is fine and isn’t going to “hurt” him for short periods of time). I know that he’d benefit so much more from more interactive technology experiences. So this year, we’re making a concerted effort to ensure that the passive use of technology is superseded by more interactive experiences. I’ve created a folder on the iPad with specific apps that he likes and are more interactive than You Tube. I’ll share insights of these on Facebook, Instagram and You Tube, so you can benefit too. If you’re after the best apps check out my eBooks.
Don’t use technology as a boredom buster. I’ll admit that the “media creep” began over the holidays. In between stints at the beach, reading books, playing with his machinery and animals, Mr 4 started to use the iPad or watch TV more than usual. My husband and I were in holiday mode and we let it slide for a couple of weeks. But we noticed how quickly he wanted more and more of it. Technology can be very “enticing” for young children and they can quickly form poor habits (note, I didn’t necessarily say “addictive”). This motivated me to test drive a “Bored Board”- a menu of screen-free activities from which he can select when he’s feeling “bored”. And it’s worked a treat.

I’d love to know what your, or your family’s techsolutions are for 2015. Share them below in the comments so that we can keep each other accountable.

Please Minimise Your Child’s News Exposure

December 16, 2014 by Kristy Leave a Comment

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I’m Worried…Really Worried About Parents and Technology!

October 22, 2014 by Kristy Leave a Comment

I’m worried. In fact I’m really worried.

Before I begin this blog post, please know that this is one of the most difficult posts I’ve written. My heart is pounding out of my chest. My fingers are working double time as they try to keep up with the ideas in my head (and heart). I feel nervous.

I’ve deliberated about writing this post for four days now. And I’ve desisted. I’ve shelved the idea. Opened and shut the draft. Heck, I even saved this blog draft in my computer folder titled ‘Blog Posts Not to Share’ (yes, I do have one of these).

But I just can’t stop thinking about this. I’ve had conversations with my (uber patient) husband and when I saw the blog post The Death of Conversation, I decided it was imperative that I share this post.

Because it’s so very important.

It’s important to me as a children’s technology researcher. It’s important to me as a mum. But most of all, important that I share this post for children. You see, I’m genuinely worried about how our children’s use of technology’s shaping their development. How are our decisions, as parents, impacting the way children use technology?

So I’m going to stop babbling and cut to the chase now.

Last Saturday night my husband and I went with two friends and our sons to a local, beachside pizza restaurant to celebrate our son’s birthday. Nothing fancy, just a great, local restaurant that makes the best pizza (and opens early enough for children).

We arrived early as you do with young children. As did three other families and a few older couples (dinner was at 5:45pm, need I say more?) and one nervous couple (who looked like it was a first-date). Yes, as I’ve mentioned before I’m an “astute social observer” (aka “sticky beak”).

We were engrossed with our conversation and trying to keep two young (and tired) children preoccupied with food, books and wrapping paper. And as I looked around, trying to identify who we might need to apologise to in advance, if our children got a bit restless (or accidentally flung food in their direction) I noticed something.

And it was bizarre. And I wasn’t the only “astute observer”. Our friends also noticed the same thing. And we were gob-smacked.

On two of the other three families’ tables, the children were silent. And I mean completely silent. Not a peep. But their faces glowed from the devices they were clutching (it’s a dim-lit restaurant).

On one table, there were four children aged between 6 and 12 years (from my guess) and they were huddled over a smartphone and iPad (two children/device). And they were all playing Minecraft. And they did not turn off their devices for the entire time they were at the restaurant (we stayed longer than they did so we observed the entire meal). The devices were literally in their hands when they walked into the restaurant and they were in their hands whilst they were trying to stuff pizza in one-handed (points for co-ordination). And the devices stayed on whilst they pushed in their chairs and walked out of the restaurant.

One the other table, there was a family of four. The two children had their eyes glued to tablets and headphones plugged into their ears for most of the meal. One was watching a movie and the other…playing Minecraft (again with headphones on). The father sat with his smartphone until his meal arrived and then he placed it away. The mother sat there with no device (and also with no one to interact with). Like the other family, the children continued to be mesmerised by their screen and were adept at watching/playing and eating simultaneously. And again, the screens were on for the entire duration of the meal (feeding two little ones is a slow process, so we had plenty of time to watch).

Now at first, I thought I was more attuned to noticing what was going on because of my work as a children’s brain and technology researcher. But when I saw our friends’ reaction I knew that it was unusual…and concerning.

Now I know I’m about to open a can of worms here, because I’ve previously talked about “techno-shaming”. And this is certainly NOT what this post’s about.

I don’t want to make parents feel guilty about letting their children use tablets or smartphones at a restaurant. That’s not the point of this post.

I know, first-hand that in some instances, parents have little option other than to offer a digital device to entertain or pacify children in restaurants or cafes (waiting rooms, airports etc). Raising my hand to say I’ve done this. I don’t do it all the time, but there have been times when I’ve felt I’ve needed to do this (when the flashcards and keys and purse options didn’t work, or if I just wanted to have two minutes of uninterrupted conversation with my husband).

So please, please, please know that I understand that sometimes using the digital pacifier helps (and it often works when keys and purses don’t).

But I’m worried. In fact I’m really worried.

What are the long-term, social implications if we’re raising children that are completely screen-obsessed?

What are we teaching children about meal times and the value of real, face-to-face interactions, if they spend their entire time at a restaurant glued to a device?

What sorts of media habits are children developing if they can’t go to a restaurant without their device in tow?

Are children so engrossed with Minecraft (and other technologies) that they (and their frustrated parents) can’t bare the thought of going out without a device?

Or are times simply changing? Is this the way of the future? Personally, I certainly hope not! A world of screen-obsessed children terrifies me.

Surely, we have to think carefully about the media habits children are developing.

I’d love to hear in the comments below, do you worry about how technology’s changing our social interactions? Are restaurants no-go tech zones?

Three ‘Tantrum-Proof’ Ways to Get Kids to Switch off the TV

December 3, 2013 by developer Leave a Comment

Confession… my three year-old son watches TV. I know. Shock horror. Many people (incorrectly) assume that as a children’s media researcher I would ban TV viewing. Pfft! If I did that we would never eat a meal, I would struggle to feed my newborn baby and my home office would be destroyed every time I take a shower (Mr T has just discovered my top desk drawer and has a keen interest in staplers and Post-It notes).

Does my son watch TV every day? No. Is TV the first thing I offer him when he is tired or needing a change of pace? No. Do I always resort to TV when I need to accomplish a ‘child-free’ task like showering or taking a work call? No. But as you’d know first hand, sometimes the TV is a life-saver. Yes, sometimes it makes a great pacifier. There are only so many ‘activity boxes’ I can create that will keep my three-year old entertained on a wet day. There are only so many diggers I can drive one-handed when I am feeding a newborn baby. My Lego repairing skills are somewhat limited and even more impaired, one-handed. Sometimes my son just wants to watch TV (my goodness, as an adult there are times when flaking out in front of TV is bliss).

The problem is that sometimes my son does not want to turn off the TV. We have blatant refusals that often end in pleas of, “Just one more Mummy, puh-lease.”. Then we often have the batting eyes and head tilt as he whispers, “Just one more show…puh-lease?” When I say no the pleas quickly deteriorate into high-pitched whining and are often followed by the ‘cockroach tantrum’. We have been very lucky and have only encountered (survived) a couple of what I call ‘cockroach’ tantrums* in our three years of parenting. *A cockroach tantrum is the one where kids lie on their backs and thrash their arms and legs about. Your otherwise calm and placid child turns into a monster.

The negotiations around turning off the TV have become similar to what you would see in a court-room. As the Mum of a newborn baby I admit that I have given into the pleas and eyelid batting more recently, because I don’t have the stamina or mental energy required to endure the negotiations.

So last week I started to implement some strategies to encourage my son to agree to switch off the TV without the tantrums and negotiations. And so far they are working. So I thought I would share them with you in the hope that they may also work for you.

Three Strategies for Getting Kids to Switch Off the TV–

1. Negotiate or state exactly how many episodes your child will watch before the TV is turned on. And then stick to it. We use episodes because time is still too abstract for Mr T who is three years-old. Then use a token system. We use coloured paddle pop sticks in a glass bottle (see image to the left). After each episode, a paddle pop stick is placed into a bottle. Once all of the paddle pop sticks are in the bottle, the TV is turned off (by my son and not me). Other ideas that work well are milk bottle lids into a bowl or pegs on a piece of cardboard. Pick something that is easy for your child to see and requires them to actively move an object.

2. Before turning on the TV negotiate or state the amount of time your child will spend watching TV. Use an egg timer or timer app to quantify the amount of time. Once the agreed time has elapsed, the TV is switched off. No negotiations required. Children tend not to argue with an arbitrary device like a timer or an app. Two apps that I recommend are Screen Time App and Screen Time by Baby Binks.
3. Create a ‘TV-Free Activity’ bucket filled with alternative play ideas. Ask your child to pull out an idea from the bucket after they have switched off the TV. This is the reward for ‘switching off’. The key to this strategy is filling the bucket with activities that appeal to your child. Ideas include go for a walk, cook, ride your bike, complete a puzzle, use Play dough, play a board game, make a puppet, read a book. Here is a TV-Free Activity Bucket template to download that you can personalise for your child to lure them away from the TV.

Of course, setting a good example yourself also helps. Talk to your children when you are switching off the TV. Make sure TV isn’t the main source of entertainment in your house. When it is not being used turn it off. Your children certainly adopt your media habits so be mindful of the subliminal, yet powerful, messages you are sending them.

If all else fails just saying ‘no’ actually works. Yes there are likely to be tears and possibly even some cockroach tantrums* initially, but if you give a clear and consistent message, children very quickly adopt these media habits. However, when the rules bend and change or if you succumb to the pleas and batting eyelids then often these habits are hard to break.

May I wish you the very best of luck. Parenting certainly isn’t easy. I’d love to know what other tips, ideas or bribes you have used that work, in the comments below. My three strategies are by no means the only things that work and I’d love to hear what else has worked for you.

Three Tips for Preventing Technology-Related RSI in Children

September 25, 2013 by developer Leave a Comment

There is no denying that today’s children are spending increasing amounts of time with digital devices. But is this digital exposure coming at a high cost to their physical development? Are children REALLY suffering from RSI?

A generation of children is increasingly suffering from physical ailments related to over-use of digital devices.

Recent media reports have claimed that we are at ‘epidemic levels’ of overuse injuries. Whilst these headlines are possibly sensationalising the issue, there is no doubt that children’s physical development can be shaped by technology use.

In personal conversations I have had with pediatric specialists (chiropractors, physiotherapists and optometrists) there is some concern that digital devices are increasingly impacting on children’s physical development. There is a range of muscoskeletal symptoms that can arise from an over-use of technology.

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Parents and teachers are also equally concerned about the long-term physical impact of digital devices on growing bodies. And rightly so.

These technologies will not be un-invented. The iPad will not disappear. Video games are likely to become un-popular. So banning these devices is not the solution.

So what do parents and teachers need to know to make sure these devices are used safely? See the video below for tips.

Tell me in the comments below, what else do you do to prevent RSI in children? SHARE this video with anyone else that may find it helpful.

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