World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended screen time guidelines:
Children under 1 year: Screen time is not recommended
Children aged 1: Screen time is not recommended
Children aged 2-4 years: No more than one hour of sedentary screen time; less is better
Children aged 5-17 years: Limit the amount of time spent being sedentary, particularly recreational screen time
As unavoidable as it may sometimes be, screen time has become a part of our children’s lives. With remote learning and digital homework, and as a favourite source of entertainment, screens are both a blessing and a challenge.
Establishing healthy screen time habits are important for children’s physical and mental wellbeing. When introduced early, these limits become a natural part of their routine, without making them feel restricted or deprived. This article explores some of the parental control apps and tools that will help parents to regulate screen usage.
Monitoring and filtering apps
Microsoft Family Safety is a comprehensive parental control app designed to help families manage and monitor their children’s online activities. With features like location sharing and screen time management, it allows parents to set daily limits on device usage and receive activity reports. The app also provides web filtering to restrict access to inappropriate content, ensuring a safer online environment. Integrated with Microsoft services, Family Safety is a user-friendly tool that empowers parents to guide their children’s digital experiences while fostering responsible technology use.
Apps like Qustodio offer extensive monitoring options, including screen time management and social media tracking. Qustodio is a top-rated parental control app that offers robust features such as screen time management, app monitoring, web filtering, and location tracking. Parents can set daily time limits, block inappropriate content, and receive detailed reports on online activity. Qustodio also includes social media monitoring and the ability to track calls and SMS, providing a comprehensive solution for managing and safeguarding children’s phone usage.
Device management apps
Many modern TVs and devices now come with built-in parental control settings that allow parents to set time limits, block specific channels or shows, and monitor viewing habits.
Another highly-rated app is Family Link by Google, which allows parents to create Google accounts for children under 13 and manage their device usage. Family Link offers features such as app activity reports, screen time limits, and the ability to lock devices remotely. It also includes location tracking. Additionally, Family Link provides recommendations for teacher-approved apps, making it easier for parents to find educational and appropriate content for their children. This app is especially useful for Android tablets and phones, which are widely used among children in Sri Lanka.
Similarly, Apple’s Screen Time feature provides robust parental controls for iPads and iPhones, allowing parents to restrict content.
Apple provides built-in parental controls that allow parents to set app limits, monitor usage, and schedule downtime. This feature also enables parents to restrict access to certain content and apps, ensuring children are exposed only to age-appropriate material. Additionally, Screen Time provides detailed weekly reports on usage patterns, helping parents understand and manage their child’s screen time more effectively.
Paid apps
While free apps offer basic features, paid apps like Norton Family and Net Nanny provide more extensive controls. These apps include advanced features like social media monitoring, detailed reports, location tracking, and customisable filters for comprehensive control over children’s digital activities.
The importance of open communication
While parental control apps are essential tools for managing screen time, open communication between parents and children is equally vital. Discussing the reasons behind screen time limits and the potential dangers of excessive device use helps children understand the importance of balance and responsibility. Also by working together with your child to establish reasonable limits, you can empower them to make informed choices about their digital consumption.
The future of screen time management
As technology continues to evolve, so will the tools available for managing screen time. Emerging technologies, such as AI-driven monitoring solutions, promise to provide even more personalised insights into a child’s digital behaviour. These advanced applications may offer real-time feedback, allowing parents to adjust screen time policies based on their child’s unique usage patterns.
Additionally, as awareness of mental health issues related to excessive screen time grows, we can expect more emphasis on features that promote healthy digital habits, such as reminders for breaks and encouragement for offline activities.
(The writer is a mother of an 11-year-old daughter and has more than 15 years of professional experience in the public relations and communications industry)
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The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication