Transitioning Screen Time From Summer Entertainment to Academic Achievement

Technology gives our brains an instant hit of dopamine, which is why we, and our children especially, often prefer screens over books, conversations, or physical activities. It's time to shift from viewing screen time as downtime to using it as a tool for learning.

Many schools incorporate technology as an essential part of their curriculum to help promote problem-solving, critical thinking, and comprehension. Because students are using technology during their typical school day, it's even more essential to balance and limit screen time at home.

As we head into the school year, it’s important to unplug and shift away from constant digital stimulation. By minimizing screen time at home, we can help our children develop key skills that set them up for a more successful, balanced school year.

Here are a few tips to help manage screen time use during the school year:

• No Technology in the Bedroom: Keep devices out of the bedroom to promote better sleep and reduce distractions.

• Limit Tech for Emotional Comfort: Avoid using screens to soothe big emotions. Instead, encourage healthy coping strategies like deep breathing, taking a walk, doing a chore, or journaling.

• Minimize Blue Light Exposure: Turn off screens at least 2 hours before bed to help your child wind down and prepare for restful sleep.

• Buy an Alarm Clock: Teach your child responsibility by using a traditional alarm clock, rather than relying on phones to wake them up.

• Create a Homework Zone: Set up a quiet, tech-free area in the home for studying to encourage focus. If your child has a device from school, only allow it to be used in the HW zone for school-related items.

• No Video Games, YouTube, or Social Media During the Week: Limit or eliminate recreational screen time during the school week to ensure kids are staying on track with their schoolwork.

• Encourage Hobbies, Reading, and Activities: Don’t use tech time as a way to "wind down." Teach kids to read, work on a puzzle, go for a run, craft, cook, or watch a family show together. Avoid letting them "scroll" to unwind.

  
  

Setting boundaries for all technology can create a balanced routine that supports your child’s learning and well-being. Limiting screen time at home as a way to "unwind" or "veg out" can reduce dopamine dependence and encourage interest and involvement in other activities. Let kids connect with tech at school while you help them connect to different interests and activities at home.