Screens are often seen as a source of mindless entertainment, but they can also be powerful tools for learning. The key is to be intentional about how we use them. Here are some tips for using screens for learning, not just entertainment.

Choose High-Quality Content

Not all screen time is created equal. When it comes to learning, the quality of the content matters more than the quantity of time spent on the screen. Look for apps, websites, and games that are educational, engaging, and age-appropriate.

Common Sense Media is a great resource for finding high-quality educational content for kids of all ages. They provide independent reviews, ratings, and other information to help parents make informed choices about the media their children consume.

Co-View and Co-Play

One of the best ways to turn screen time into a learning experience is to co-view and co-play with your child. When you watch a show or play a game with your child, you can help them understand the content and apply it to the world around them.

Ask questions, make connections, and talk about what you’re seeing and doing. This can turn a passive viewing experience into an active learning one.

Encourage Creativity and Creation

Screens can also be used to create, not just consume. Encourage your child to use screens to create their own content, such as stories, videos, or music. This can be a great way for them to express their creativity and learn new skills.

There are many apps and websites that are designed to help kids create their own content. For example, Scratch is a free programming language and online community where you can create your own interactive stories, games, and animations.

Set Limits on Entertainment

While it’s okay to use screens for entertainment, it’s important to set limits. Make sure that screen time doesn’t interfere with other important activities, such as sleep, physical activity, and face-to-face interactions.

Create a family media plan that includes rules about when, where, and for how long screens can be used for entertainment. This will help to ensure that your child is getting a healthy balance of activities.

By being intentional about how you use screens, you can help your child develop a love of learning that will last a lifetime.

Picked up an app for 5 mins and ended up scrolling for hours? ScreenTimer helps you set timer when opening app.