How to Not Feel Guilty About Your Children's Screen Time During the Coronavirus Outbreak

Adjusting to a New Routine

Ignore any negativity you hear about technology on social media. Don’t stress about other people’s opinions during the outbreak. Some people may frown upon the idea of kids having extra screen time, but you don’t need to worry about anyone else’s thoughts or beliefs except your own. Everyone’s situation is different, and it’s perfectly valid for your children to watch more TV and use the computer more than they normally would. The coronavirus outbreak is a temporary situation, so you don’t need to worry about short-term changes in your children’s screen time habits. Once everything calms down, you can help your kids cut back on screen time once it’s safe to go out and socialize.

Use your children’s screen time as a way to give yourself a break. If the outbreak is forcing you to work from home, you may not have a lot of free time to watch and supervise your kids constantly. In this case, it’s perfectly fine to use technology to keep your children entertained during this stressful and confusing time. Set aside a separate place where you can work, and give your kids a space to watch TV or use the computer at their leisure. For instance, you could dedicate the eating area or your dining room as a home office space and allow your children to hang out in the living room.

Recognize that screen time can help them cope with this difficult time. Just like this may be tough for you, your kids will also struggle to adjust to this new routine, and they may worry about different aspects of the outbreak. Having access to their favorite games, websites, and forms of entertainment can be comforting. Things that calm your child (like funny videos or relaxing games) are valuable. They can help your child cope with what's going on.

Think of this new routine as temporary. Remind yourself that the self-quarantining advisories aren’t permanent, and that these homebound suggestions are in place to keep everyone safe and healthy. With this in mind, remember that it’s okay for your children’s usual routine to change a bit. When it’s safer to go out and about, you can always make a new routine that allows your kids to spend more time outside instead of their devices. Remember, your kids are probably feeling overwhelmed, too! The TV and computer might help distract them from any stressful news reports.

View the situation from a safety perspective. Note that many younger kids can carry coronavirus without showing any symptoms. While it might be tempting to host a playdate with your child’s friends, you may be putting yourselves and other parents at risk. Increased screen time is a safe, alternative option that keeps your kids entertained without spreading the virus to anyone. This isn't to imply that your kids can’t go outside! Fresh air is important, and social interaction isn’t bad as long as your kids remember to practice social distancing.

Remind yourself that your child may need screen time to learn. Contact your school district to confirm what your child’s learning plan is for the upcoming weeks and months. Since many schools have closed, your child may need to submit assignments and other coursework on a digital learning site. Other schools may use video programs to hold live classes, which obviously require a tablet or computer to attend.

Create a screen time schedule that you and your kids can follow. If you don’t want your entire household to become complete couch potatoes, write out a schedule or grid that gives rough timetables for the day. Set aside time for meals, schoolwork, and breaks, as well as a slot for screen time. If you know that your child has a steady routine, you don’t need to stress about their screen time as much.

Finding Appropriate Shows and Movies to Watch

Choose educational shows for your kids to watch. Browse your cable listing or streaming provider for kid-friendly shows that you can switch on, or look for educational programs online. Pick programs that are appropriate for your kid’s age group, and have an educational element to them. Note what time these shows are airing on live TV, or watch them any time with a streaming program like Hulu, Netflix, or Amazon Prime. For instance, “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” and “Sesame Street” are great options for young ones, while “Planet Earth” and “Design Squad Nation” might be better for elementary school kids.

Put on a documentary that your children will like. Browse your channels or streaming provider for fun, engaging documentaries about nature, animals, and other fun topics. Select a program that you know your kids will be interested in, and leave it on as a fun, educational distraction. “March of the Penguins,” “Wonders of the Sea,” “Pick of the Litter,” “Chasing Coral,” and “On the Way To School” are great titles to consider.

Play some wholesome movies that the whole family can enjoy. Use a streaming service like Hulu, Netflix, or Disney Plus to pick out some fun movies for your kids. Choose appropriate, engaging movies that will keep your kids entertained without exposing them to more adult content. If you want, you can even make a movie night out of it! Look for especially educational movies, like “Expedition China,” “The Short Game,” “Dancing with the Birds,” or “Before the Flood.”

Pick out informational TV shows to watch. Switch your TV to the cooking or travel channel. These shows can provide your kids with a valuable learning experience while also keeping them entertained. You can segue from watching a cooking show to cooking something in the kitchen with your kids if you want.

Using Screen Time to Read and Learn

Download educational apps to your kids’ tablets and phones. Check the app store for fun, informative apps that can teach your children new things in an engaging way. Peruse through a variety of math, science, and other learning games until you find a collection of apps that you’re comfortable with your kids playing regularly. Minecraft is a popular game that helps nurture your kids’ creativity. They can also play with their friends! Prodigy is a great app to use for math skills, while GoNoodle imitates a fun physical education class.

Watch a webinar to learn about fun new topics. Go on YouTube or another video streaming site to find some fun, educational webinars. Look for topics that may interest your kids, like doodling and drawing. Ideally, choose interactive programs that your kids can follow along with. You can rest easy knowing that your kids are learning and practicing new skills while spending time watching TV or on the computer.

Tune into well-known authors reading their books out loud. Check Instagram, YouTube, and other social media sites to look for read-aloud book sessions with renowned authors. If you have especially young children at home, encourage them to listen and watch these videos as extra storytime. Children’s authors like Mac Barnett and Oliver Jeffers host daily read-aloud sessions.

Invite your kids to use fun and free educational websites. Encourage your children to visit sites like Open-Lit, Duolingo, and Chrome Music Lab as a way to beat cabin fever and general boredom. If your kids enjoy using certain websites, help them bookmark the page, so they can access it again later. Here’s a list of great educational resources you can use: http://www.amazingeducationalresources.com.

Download some e-books for your kids to enjoy. Subscribe to fun podcasts and audiobooks, which your child can listen to throughout the day. Choose exciting stories or topics that will interest and engage your child, and give them something productive to do while using their screens. NPR’s “WOW in the World” podcast is a great starting point.