4 Ways to Help Your Teen Balance Screen Time in a Virtual World

Expert advice on how to manage your teen’s blue light exposure today

4 Ways to Help Your Teen Balance Screen Time in a Virtual World

Expert advice on how to manage your teen’s blue light exposure today

Image courtesy of Brandpoint; Used with permission

The new school year is here — and it may look a little different. Teens are gearing up for more homework, more papers, and especially this year, more screen time. As of March 2020, teen use of apps and digital services is up 70% in the U.S.(1), and 70% of kids ages 12 to 15 get more than the recommended hours of screen time per day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

With screen time ever-increasing, teens are exposed to more blue light, which are high-energy wavelengths emitted from the sun, LEDs, and digital devices such as smartphones, computers, and tablets. Overexposure to blue light can lead to difficulty falling asleep and inhibit the ability to reach REM sleep.

To help reduce the effects of blue light, here are four strategies to help find a better balance for your teen.

1. Be a healthy-habit role model

Parents have an important opportunity to be a positive influence when it comes to healthy behaviors. They learn from everything you say — and more importantly, what you do. Limiting your screen time is the most effective way of reducing blue light exposure, by limiting your own screen time you show your kids how to treat media as a privilege. Encourage time together as a family without screens or devices present.

2. Supplement with vitamins and minerals

As kids spend more time outdoors and in front of screens, it’s important to make sure they’re equipped with the right nutritional support. Alive! Teen Gummy Multivitamins are an excellent source of 16 vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, D, and Lutemax 2020, to help eyes filter blue light produced by the sun, LEDs and electronic devices*.

3. Set clear rules

Teens often lack the maturity to moderate screen time on their own. Establishing clear rules will provide structure and help your kids make better choices in the future. For example, try sticking to a rule of no screen time during the hour before bed and enforcing electronics-free meal times. This allows everyone the opportunity to sleep better and wake up refreshed — as well as more engaging family communication.

4. Make time for physical activity

Go for an evening walk. Play a game of catch. Find a sport the whole family enjoys. A little physical activity goes a long way. It provides time away from screens and numerous benefits for physical and social health.

Remember: Pay attention to what’s on your kids’ screens

Before you let your teen buy a new video or computer game, do a little research, and find out what they are getting. Pay attention to ratings and try to limit them to games rated T (for teens) or younger. You can also use screening tools on TVs, computers, and tablets to block your teen’s access to inappropriate material.

And remember, a productive conversation goes a long way. Be open with your teens and follow these tips to help them set screen time boundaries. (BPT)

(1): https://www.axios.com/kids-screen-time-coronavirus-562073f6-0638-47f2-8ea3-4f8781d6b31b.html

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How You Can Be More Actively Engaged in Your Child’s Education

9/3/2020

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There is no question about whether or not a good education is valuable to a child. Many parents are concerned about the quality of their child's education and want to make sure it's as good as it can be. Being actively engaged as a parent in your child's education is a great way to get a feel for this and even improve it. So what are some ways you can be more actively engaged?

Volunteer for the PTA

Getting involved as a volunteer in your local parent teacher association is a great way to get more involved in your child's education. In PTA organizations, parents and teachers work together to plan social events, organize fundraisers, and to discuss problems facing schools and students and work together to come up with solutions. They help parents become more engaged in the education process and help build relationships between parents and teachers. According to Team Satchel, meetings are an important part of the PTA organization, so if you choose to volunteer make sure you regularly attend those meetings to reap the benefits.

Donate Books and Supplies

Donating books and supplies may not do much to get you very actively involved in the day to day aspects of your child's education, but that doesn't mean it's any less valuable. According to AdoptAClassroom.org, one survey done in 2018 found that on average teachers spend $740 out of their own pockets each year on classroom supplies. Not every family is in a position to donate some of their own funds to purchase books or supplies for classrooms, but if you can your child's teacher will greatly appreciate it. So will the students whose families may not be able to afford to provide those supplies. This act alone can enrich an entire classroom and the learning experience within it.

Donate Safety Equipment

Similarly, donating safety equipment is also a valuable contribution. This is even more important this year than previously thanks to the prevalence of COVID-19. With limited resources and schools reopening for on site education, many are feeling very concerned about the safety of their children. You can help by donating gloves, disposable masks, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and other safety supplies. Of course, it's still important to consider ways to improve classroom safety beyond the spread of illness. Cuts and bruises won't stop happening just because everyone's energy is focused on illness prevention. Ask your child's teacher if there's anything you can do for them to help make the classroom safer. According to HangSafe Hooks, removing protruding coat hooks can reduce classroom injuries. And in the inevitable event of an injury, having a well-stocked first aid kit can be incredibly helpful.

Review Their Homework

Though questions have arisen regarding whether or not homework is valuable and should be given, it doesn't look like it's going anywhere anytime soon in most cases. Teachers expect homework to be completed, preferably correctly, but that can be difficult for students sometimes. As a parent, one of the ways you can be more actively engaged in your child's education is to help them with their homework. This is especially beneficial if they don't understand it. If they're struggling with their grades, this gives you an opportunity to see why they are struggling and to help them improve. As you help them with their homework, you can review it with them to ensure that it has been done correctly. This will help them learn the concepts better and improve their grades.

Be a Classroom Volunteer

By volunteering in your child's classroom, you show your child that you are interested in their education and want to have a hand in making it a good one. Even if your child acts embarrassed to have you in their classroom, they're almost certainly pleased to see you there. You'll be able to build a better relationship with their teacher and get an understanding for how the classroom works. You'll also have a chance to see the way the children interact with one another, giving you a glimpse into how your child gets along with others. It also shows your child that it's important to volunteer and contribute to the community for the benefit of all without needing to be paid for what you do.

Teach Them

A child's education goes beyond what they learn in school. Teachers can't teach a child everything, especially with all the responsibilities they already have and all the children they have under their care. According to North Shore Pediatric Therapy, teaching a child how to manage emotions is important since that is a skill they will need throughout their life in every facet of it. As a parent, you can coach your child regarding emotional and social matters since you'll likely be able to give them more personal attention when related issues surface. These learning experiences can be beneficial for both you and your child. They will learn new skills and you will have an opportunity to hone your own understanding of various concepts as you attempt to teach them.

Attend Parent-Teacher Conferences

Not every parent has time to volunteer in their child's class. Finding time to attend a parent-teacher conference can be much easier, especially since they tend to take place outside of normal working hours and are much shorter. These conferences give parents and teachers a chance to discuss the child, their progress, their needs, and any concerns either party has. The hope is that by the end of it both parties are on the same page and better prepared to help the child with their education. According to Bright Horizons, you should approach these conferences with the determination to make them a success and of benefit to your child.

Talk to Them

At the end of the day, you want your child to know you love them and care about their happiness and wellbeing. Their education is part of that. Being able to just talk about school and how it's going, and to have open, honest dialogue, is one of the simplest ways you as a parent can be more actively engaged in your child's education. Ask them about school, their teachers, and what they learned, and then actively listen to what they have to say. Your child will be able to tell if you're actually interested in what they're telling you, and as they notice your interest they'll open up to you even more. You may find these discussions become one of the highlights of your day as you take time to talk together and really connect.

Being actively engaged in your child's education is one of the best things you can do as a parent to help your child stay engaged themselves. As a parent, there are many ways you can be actively engaged. This will benefit both you and your child as it helps build your relationship with one another. You may even find you learn a thing or two yourself along the way.

Read this next: Interested in a New Career?: 4 Reasons to Consider Nursing

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