New study shows many parents share same fears around children’s screen time

(WFSB) - A new study shows many parents share the same fears around their children’s screen time and they struggle with finding ways to keep them safe.

The study, conducted by the Kid’s Mental Health Foundation, shows that eight in 10 parents are actively doing something to manage their screen time. That could range from setting time limits to adding parental controls to monitor their activity.

But experts say the best thing to do is to start talking with your children about your concerns.

The Chekwa’s love watching their children grow. They believe the key to their happiness is exposing them to more sun time over screen time.

“I am a little afraid of what I’m going to have to face the older she gets, but I’m also realistic that in knowing that this is just the world she’s growing up in, so I’m going to have to have conversations with her,” said Xia Chekwa.

Her and her husband keep close eyes on their children’s tablets. But they’re outnumbered three to two, possibly making it easy for additional time to slip through the cracks.

“It’s just when they’re on different apps or different things, is it age appropriate, can someone talk to them on there. Is something going to pop up that I don’t want them to see. Those are our biggest concerns,” continued Xia.

That is a common concern shared by many parents.

According to the foundation, the top fears that parents have around screen time are privacy and safety concerns (47%), exposure to misinformation (36%), and not socializing in person (34%).

“We know that kids that spend more than 3 hours on social media a day, have higher risk of things like depression and anxiety,” said Ariana Hoet, the executive clinical director of the foundation.

She recommends explaining time limits and potential consequences ahead of time.

“Kids, their brains are developing, we cannot expect them to set their own boundaries. Kids are not going to put their phone away on their own. This is something that a parent has to step in and set those limits for them,” she continued.

The Chekwa’s set time limits and get help from their eight-year-old, who keeps tabs on what her little brothers are watching.

“When you’re busy at work and you’re running around making dinner and all those things, just making sure everyone’s on the same page in the household is important,” said Xia.

Experts say keeping the family on the same page as kids travel the digital world is most important. You can also try setting time limits that are reasonable for their age, encouraging outdoor activities and using parent control apps.