Games and videos bring meaningful activities into children's daily lives. Children can also play games with friends, and many also talk about programmes and games with each other in their free time.
Watch videos together with your child, download games to your own devices or play a console game for an evening activity. Ask what your child does online, what kind of videos they watch and what games they play.
Your open-minded interest in the world of games, the internet and communication tools will make it easier for your child to talk about the unpleasant things they could encounter online and in games.
Also ask occasionally if your child has downloaded any messaging apps or follows social media content.
Most social networking and messaging apps do not allow people under 13 to sign up, but you can often view social media publications in a browser without an app or account. Some children may also be able to get around the age limit and set up their own account with false age information.
Just because a video or picture has been posted on social media does not automatically mean that the content is unsuitable for children. However, using your own social media account requires a lot of media literacy and preferably some understanding of how algorithms work.
Encourage your child to tell you if they encounter something uncomfortable online or in a game. Your child may feel ashamed of a bad situation or content they have encountered, and may be afraid to tell you about it on their own initiative – especially if they have broken mutually agreed rules to view the content.
Above all, it is your responsibility to discuss the issue in your daily life. Be understanding also in situations where your child has acted inappropriately. It is important that they continue to have the courage to talk to you about their issues even when they might have acted against your wishes.
What to do if your child has too much screen time?
If limiting your child's gaming or internet use is a challenge for your family, try discussing everyday tasks or offering new things to do instead of focusing on reducing actual screen time.
For example, if you want your child to spend more time doing homework, try not to interfere with them playing games. Instead, talk about how they could make more time for doing homework. Show understanding at the same time: "I know you have much more interesting things to do than homework."
Let your child help you think about what would help them do more of what you want them to do. Agree with your child on how you and other family members could remind them of time management goals in a way that would motivate them.
Doing things together, spending time outdoors or going on outings nearby can also make it easier to disconnect from devices. You cannot take your devices to the swimming pool, the sauna, the tennis court or on the bike path, for example. Could you start a device-free regular weekly activity? You can let your child suggest fun device-free activities.
