Digital detoxing and limiting screen time for young children on their devices

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — In this day and age, our cell phones are attached at the hip. But just how much does that impact your children?

According to Pew Research, 71% of parents with a child under the age of 12 say they are at least somewhat concerned their child spends too much time in front of screens. Other studies show that kids and young teens who have a smartphone device average around 7.5 hours on electronic devices per day.

So when it comes to monitoring children on devices, what can you do?

According to AT&T Associate Director on the Coast of North Carolina Nathan VanDame, there are several tips parents can use. Tips such as  setting rules when it comes to screen time, setting designated areas in your home where devices are allowed, and encouraging children to find hobbies that do not involve a screen.

VanDame said while kids can have fun with friends on their devices, its important to set limits.

“You know, they take the time to play those games with their friends for sure, but there’s time to step away from those things as well. So, there’s a lot of great things out there whether it be apps or software within these devices that help us as parents or anybody that needs to control screen time,” said VanDame

VanDame said it is not uncommon for parents who come into stores looking to buy devices for their children to ask about ways to limit screen time.

A current software in most iPhone and Android phones is called Screen Time. This allows for parents to set time limits for how long children can access certain apps on their phones.