Educator Karla Lacerda, director of Colégio Progresso Bilíngue Santos, has a clear view on screen time among children. For her, technology should not be seen as the villain of excessive time spent in front of cell phones, tablets and TVs, but as a valuable learning tool.
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Main points
- Technology as an ally, not a villain.
- Limits and quality: the role of parents.
- Strategies for balancing screen use.
According to Karla, the key is to understand that technology is an integral part of everyday life and not the center of the problem: “We need to learn to deal with it and use it in the best possible way for our individual and social development and that of our children.”
Communication, research and learning are just some of the positive aspects that screens offer children. However, it is vital that parents are present in this process, monitoring not only the quantity, but especially the quality of this exposure.
Karla warns about the negative impacts of excess: learning disorders, impulsiveness and reduced physical and social skills. When asked about the role of the school in this context, Fabia Antunes, pedagogical director of Early Childhood Education at Lourenço Castanho School, highlights the importance of planning the use of these resources.
Balancing screen time and physical activity
Parenting educator Stella Azulay, founder of Juntos Educação, emphasizes the importance of establishing emotional bonds from an early age as a way to balance screen time. She emphasizes that the connection between parents and children is essential to positively influence.
And if technology isn't the problem, it can be part of the solution. Karla suggests strategies for involving the family in offline activities, using the internet as support, such as planning outings based on curiosities discovered online.
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Off-Screen Fun for Your Child
Physical activities and games are essential to reducing screen time. Board games, sports and even a family treasure hunt are fun alternatives that bring the family together and encourage new relationships.
Strategies to Reduce Children's Screen Time
Limiting children’s screen time is a challenge. However, some strategies are effective in encouraging offline activities. Setting clear limits is essential. Set specific times for both screen time and screen-free activities. Rules should be established regarding the amount of time allowed for electronic devices each day.
Additionally, planned family activities are a great way to do this. Scheduling regular activities, such as board games, picnics, outdoor activities, or reading sessions together, can be a great way to get everyone involved. By involving your children in the planning of these activities, you can generate even more interest and enthusiasm.
Encouraging alternative interests is also an effective strategy. Discovering and promoting hobbies or interests outside of the screen, such as sports, art, music, gardening, among others, is a way to expand children's horizons.
Screen-free spaces in your home are important. Creating dedicated areas for electronic-free activities, such as a craft area, a reading nook, or a gaming space, is one way to encourage disconnection.
Parental involvement is crucial
Limiting your own screen time while also participating in offline activities with your children is certainly essential. In addition, demonstrating fun and genuine interest in these activities is essential.
In addition, encouraging physical exercise is another relevant strategy. Therefore, encouraging children to practice sports or physical activities that they enjoy, whether at school, in clubs or in parks, is an effective way to promote an active lifestyle.
Furthermore, promoting fun alternatives is also essential. Organizing interactive and fun games, such as treasure hunts, fort building, puppet theater, among others, can be extremely effective.
On the other hand, educating about responsible technology use is also an important part of this process. It is crucial to talk about the balance between screen time and offline activities and to educate about online safety and responsible internet behavior, aspects that must be carefully addressed.
Finally, always remember that consistency and parental example are essential to establish healthy habits. Therefore, it is important to find a balance between the use of technology and offline activities, promoting a diverse and healthy environment for the integral development of children.
Emotional connection: a powerful link with His Son
Stella Azulay highlights the importance of sharing personal stories between parents and children, promoting effective communication and stronger bonds. She mentions the “Tell Your Child Your Story” book as a valuable tool for this connection.
The influence of parents
Karla emphasizes that parents are crucial examples in this balance. Genuine attention and the example set by parents, disconnecting from screens when they are with their children, are fundamental attitudes to encourage healthy habits.
Your child and technology can coexist in a balanced way. With proper guidance from parents, it is possible to take advantage of the benefits of the digital age, ensuring the healthy and integral development of children.
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