Since April 8, most school-going children have been doing home-based learning as part of circuit breaker measures to slow the spread of Covid-19.

Parents who are aware of the potential pitfalls of excessive screen usage might be at a loss as to how to set limits on their kids’ screen time, as home-based learning will expose them to more screen time than usual.

As a parent with a school-going child, I understand these concerns.

First, it is important for parents not to act from a place of guilt. While parents should not allow digital devices to simply keep our kids occupied and quiet, our best efforts to not resort to being “digital nannies” may not always be enough — and that is okay.

Guilt can make us feel as though we are lousy parents, which may lead us to either over-compensate or give up in trying to do better. Parents should give themselves credit as they navigate different stresses during this time of adjustments.

Second, parents need to bear in mind that not all screen time is bad. There is a difference between mindless entertainment and interactive educational games or basic coding applications.

If our children ask for our mobile phones, we can teach them how to use the camera. Assign older kids fun projects of taking videos or photos of, say, their 10 favourite toys or of themselves explaining what they like about their favourite shows.

Third, parents can use digital devices for bonding opportunities. Children under 10 can find camera filters amusing. Spend time with them during work breaks to take funny wefies — not only does this engage them, it builds memories for the family.

Console dance or exercise games can help children to get active and allow us time to finish a work task while they are engaged.

Finally, since there is more screen time during the circuit breaker, it is important to create a daily routine for them to engage in non-digital activities indoors. Arts and crafts projects, water play in an inflatable pool, and playing with kinetic sand, magnetic tiles, train sets or building blocks are examples. These activities can also allow the family to have time away from the screen together and bond.

Parents can explore putting their kids in charge of household responsibilities appropriate to their age. A four-year-old can be given a flat mop to clean the floor, an eight-year-old can be put in charge of making simple lunches once a week, and a teenager can be given the task of menu planning and online grocery shopping within a budget.

To encourage children to take ownership of these tasks, parents should be eager to affirm their efforts, rather than insist on perfection.

With these practices in place, our kids’ increased screen time does not have to cause undue stress and anxiety. Instead, it can provide opportunities for learning and bonding.

ABOUT THE WRITER:

Chong Ee Jay is a digital literacy and family life educator, and team lead at FamChamps, a youth community movement in Singapore that nurtures family champions — young people who believe in and champion family.

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