Melton West Primary School

Mental Health & Wellbeing Report 

Dear Parents/Carers,

 

“Yes, kids love technology, but they also love lego, scented markers, handstands, books and mud puddles. It’s all about balance.” – K.G, first grade teacher

Screens are a wonderful tool to use with children, however they are becoming increasingly difficult to manage both at home and in the classroom. This week I thought I would share some resources and information around screentime. The practical tips and strategies listed can be used by parents/carers and teachers to manage screentime and collaborate for a balanced and unified approach at home and at school. 

What is screen time?Screen time is spending time in front of a computer, gaming console, mobile or smart phone, tablet or iPad and the television. 

How much screen time is too much?For healthy development, the Australian government guidelines recommend:

  • babies and toddlers under 2 have no screen time

  • pre-schoolers aged 2 to 5 have no more than 1 hour per day

  • children aged 5 to 17 have no more than 2 hours per day (not counting school activities).

Sue Larkey, a highly qualified educator who has taught students in both mainstream and specialist school settings and authored multiple books to support students with autism spectrum disorder, suggests trying her 7 top tips to help children reduce screentime:

  1. Empower children to collect data and set goals on their screentime

  2. Introduce a ‘healthy brain diet’ with learning, connection, downtime and joy

  3. Role model vulnerability by sharing your own struggles and joys

  4. Join your children in their interests rather than always expecting them to join yours

  5. Collaborate with your child’s educators for a unified approach at home and at school

  6. Implement consistent screen time limits, such as no devices after dinner

  7. Find the child’s passion and tie it to their long-term goals.

Additional Tips:

  • Make it a Team Effort: Involve everyone in the family (children, parents, siblings) in developing the screen time rules and implementing them. 

  • Be Consistent: Consistency in enforcing rules is crucial for establishing healthy habits. 

  • Focus on Quality Time: Prioritize meaningful interactions and experiences over screen time. 

  • Celebrate Screen-Free Successes: Acknowledge and reward efforts to reduce screen time and participate in alternative activities.

Consider balancing screen time with other activities such as cooking together, getting active through play or family activities, reading a book or have story time, going for a walk or bike ride, getting creative with art and craft or playing a musical instrument.

By implementing a combination of these strategies, families and schools can work together to reduce screen time and promote healthier, more balanced lifestyles for children. I hope you find them useful and are willing to give some of the tips a go.

 

 

Kind regards,

Vanessa Moore

Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader (MHWL)