Kids worldwide consume media in many ways; children will always be in contact with a form of media in one way or another, whether it be video games or social media. Although media usage has its benefits, like keeping people up to date, connected, and educated and informed, there are still negatives. Over consumption of media can harm children’s social skills and negatively affect their attention spans. It can also negatively impact their behavior. Parents play a crucial role in guiding their children’s media consumption by establishing boundaries and promoting healthy consumption habits. Reggie McClure, a staff member at Grayslake Central and father of two boys, said ¨I check in with the program they are using, so they can’t have their sign-in; so I use my sign-in. ¨ This method of monitoring media consumption works for McClure and his family.
With apps like the one McClure uses, you can moderate the access to media children have. It also notifies and is able to track what is happening on children’s devices. Many children are frequently exposed to fast-paced media content and may find it challenging to focus on tasks that require sustained concentration, such as homework or reading. Bryan Dovichi, the Special Education Coordinator at Grayslake Central said “if [children] are consumed by their iPad for too long, their outside creativity gets lost.¨ Balancing media consumption with other activities, such as outdoor play or creative hobbies, can help create a well-rounded experience for kids. Ultimately, while media will always be a significant part of children’s lives, it’s essential to cultivate a balanced lifestyle.
Feeling addicted to your tech or social media feeds? Try these tips!
- Set Time Limits: Use tools in your phone’s settings like “Screen Time” or “Digital Well being” to limit social media use.
- Practice Mindfulness: Next time you reach for your phone, instead, take a deep breath in, hold for four seconds, then release the breath. This can help recenter your thinking!
- Substitute with Healthy Activities: Find a new hobby, try a new activity, or simply go for a walk instead of scrolling.
