How to calm a screaming toddler? How to work without being disturbed by children at home? How to keep a child occupied while feeding him? A few years ago, the answer was to keep them engaged.

Today the answer is, “Let’s give them a gadget” because it’s an easy option and time is not readily available. While it is necessary to distract or keep children engaged, especially in their early years when they are still dependent on someone, it is essential to raising digitally responsible toddlers.

Although it seems simple, gadgets and technology have become an integral part of our lives. However, taking small steps can make a difference in managing their impact. Preeti Bhandary, co-founder and curriculum director at Little Elly, shares five practical steps to guide the process.

1. SET CLEAR BOUNDARIES

Healthy limits on a child’s screen time should be set from an early age. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children under 18 months should not spend any time in front of a screen except for video chat. Toddlers ages 18 to 24 months might enjoy high-quality educational programs that should be kept minimal and always under adult supervision.

Create screen-free zones: Declare certain areas of the home, such as the dining room or bedroom, as screen-free to encourage other activities.

Don’t reward them with screens: This will eliminate reliance on electronics for comfort and entertainment and encourage screen-free activities.

2. INTERACTION WITH CONTENT

Share a show, app, or digital content that needs to be experienced together interactively, turning screen time into a shared experience. Parents need to be actively involved with their little ones when using screens.

High-quality programs can enable pioneering abilities, for example in mathematics, language and motor skills.

The second use of screen time is to open discussion about what the child is watching or playing with, thereby enriching their use and understanding of language.

3. OUTDOOR PLAY AND INTERACTION

Screens can be fun, but real-world play is crucial to a toddler’s growth. Hands-on activities like playing with blocks, drawing or reading books, family interactions, play dates and direct participation in any activity help toddlers develop relationships and establish emotional intelligence.
Children are motivated to explore the immediate environment, social issues and communication through imaginative play.

4. BE A ROLE MODEL

Children learn from their parents, so you need to be a role model during and around screen time. The child will develop a perception about it, based solely on how it was experienced.
There are lots of fun things that also happen outside the screen area, such as cooking dinner or playing outside. Spending quality time as a family playing board games or taking walks together and keeping screens away helps children develop the habit of limiting screen time.

5. HEALTHY SLEEP HABITS

Using digital devices before bed disrupts a child’s sleep patterns. Screens emit blue light, disorienting the body from its normal resting rhythm, making it difficult for children to fall asleep. Screens should be removed at least an hour before bedtime and replaced with relaxing activities such as bedtime stories or soft music.

Being a responsible digital parent also includes limiting your little one’s screen time and co-viewing that content with them while helping them appreciate things that aren’t digital, too. Modeling this according to various stable interests and habits will support his growth and development as he grows to navigate the digital world in a responsible and navigable way.