How to Monitor Your Child’s Smartphone and Tablet Use During Summer Holidays: Tips and Questions for Parents To Ask

It’s the summer holidays & many parents find themselves concerned about how much time their children will spend on their smartphones and tablets.

Without the structure of school, it’s easy for screen time to skyrocket, leaving little room for physical activity, creativity, or family bonding.

However, with a few strategies and some thoughtful conversation, you can ensure that your child enjoys a balanced and healthy digital summer.

Here’s a guide to help you monitor and manage your child’s device usage effectively.

 Set Clear Expectations and Rules

Sit down with your child and set clear guidelines about screen time.

This conversation should cover:

• Daily Time Limits:

Agree on how many hours per day your child can use their smartphone or tablet. The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends no more than 1-2 hours of screen time per day for children aged 2-5, and for older kids, it’s important to balance screen time with other activities.

• Appropriate Content:

Discuss what types of apps, games, and websites are appropriate. Use parental control settings to block or restrict access to content that you deem unsuitable.

• Offline Activities:

Ensure your child understands the importance of engaging in non-screen activities like reading, playing outside, or doing arts and crafts. Encourage a variety of activities to prevent excessive reliance on screens.

Good Questions to Ask:

• What do you enjoy most about the apps or games you play?
• How do you feel after spending a lot of time on your tablet?
• What other activities do you think you’d like to do this summer besides using your device?

Use Parental Control Tools

Parental control tools are essential in helping you monitor and restrict your child’s screen time and content access.

Here are some ways to use these tools effectively:

• App and Web Filtering:

Set up filters that prevent your child from accessing inappropriate content online. Many devices have built-in parental controls, and there are also third-party apps available.

• Time Limits:

Use apps to set daily time limits on your child’s device usage. Some tools also allow you to set specific times during the day when the device cannot be used, such as during meals or before bedtime.

• Activity Monitoring:

Regularly check your child’s device to review the apps they’ve downloaded, the websites they’ve visited, and the amount of time they’ve spent on different activities.

Good Questions to Ask:

• Have you seen anything online that made you uncomfortable?
• Which apps or games are your friends using? Why do you like them?
• What do you think is a fair amount of time to spend on your tablet each day?

Encourage Open Communication

It’s important to create an environment where your child feels comfortable talking to you about their online experiences. This can prevent potential issues like cyberbullying or exposure to harmful content.

• Daily Check-ins:

Ask your child about their online activities each day. Show interest in what they’re doing, and offer guidance if they encounter something confusing or troubling.

• Non-Judgmental Listening:

If your child admits to breaking the rules or seeing something inappropriate, listen without immediate judgment. Use the opportunity to educate them about safe and responsible device use.

Good Questions to Ask:

• What’s the most interesting thing you did on your device today?
• Did you chat with anyone online? How did it go?
• Have you ever seen something online that you didn’t understand or that upset you?

Promote Digital Literacy and Critical Thinking

Teaching your child to think critically about the content they consume is crucial in today’s digital age. Help them understand the importance of privacy, the dangers of misinformation, and how to recognise safe and trustworthy online sources.

• Discuss Online Safety:

Explain the importance of not sharing personal information online and the potential risks of talking to strangers on the internet.

• Evaluate Content Together: Watch videos or play games with your child and discuss the messages they convey. This can be a fun way to bond while teaching them to be discerning about the media they consume.

• Teach About Misinformation: Help your child understand that not everything they read or see online is true. Show them how to verify information and recognise trustworthy sources.

Good Questions to Ask:

• Why do you think it’s important to be careful about what you share online?
• How can you tell if something you see online is true or fake?
• What do you do if someone you don’t know tries to talk to you online?

Lead by Example

Children often model their behaviour after their parents. Demonstrate a healthy relationship with technology by setting limits on your own screen time and engaging in offline activities as a family.

• Tech-Free Zones and Times:

Establish tech-free areas in your home, such as the dinner table or bedrooms. Also, consider tech-free times, like during meals or family outings.

• Participate in Non-Digital Activities:

Plan regular activities that don’t involve screens, such as going for walks, playing board games, or having a picnic. Show your child that life beyond the screen can be fun and fulfilling.

Good Questions to Ask:

• What do you think we can do as a family to spend less time on screens?
• What’s an activity you’d like to try that doesn’t involve a device?
• How can we all work together to have more tech-free time?

Regularly Review and Adjust Your Approach

Monitoring your child’s device use is an ongoing process, and it’s important to regularly review and adjust your approach based on your child’s age, behaviour, and the evolving digital landscape.

• Periodic Check-ins:

Regularly revisit the rules and expectations you set at the beginning of summer. Ask your child how they feel about the guidelines and whether any adjustments are needed.

• Stay Informed:

Keep up with the latest trends in apps, games, and online content. This will help you understand what your child is exposed to and how to guide them effectively.

• Adjust as Needed:

Be flexible and willing to adjust screen time rules based on your child’s needs. For example, allowing extra screen time for educational purposes or reducing it if it’s interfering with other activities.

Good Questions to Ask:

• Do you think the screen time limits we set are working well?
• Is there anything you’d like to change about our rules or guidelines?
• What have you learned online that you found really interesting or useful?

Monitoring your child’s smartphone and tablet use during the summer holidays doesn’t have to be a battle. By setting clear expectations, using parental controls, encouraging open communication, and promoting digital literacy, you can help your child enjoy a balanced and healthy summer both online and offline. Remember, the goal is not to eliminate screen time entirely but to ensure it’s used in a way that supports your child’s overall well-being.