Screen Time:
Q & A for grown-ups
Before you start the new Build & Talk: Screen Time activity with your child why not refresh your knowledge on the topic?
You’ll find some helpful information below. When you’ve had a look, start the activity here
Why is it important to have a healthy approach to screen time?
Technology and digital experiences are very much a part of family life. Most days both children and adults will spend at least some time interacting with a digital screen.
It’s important that children understand what screen time means; that it involves interacting with any type of screen such as watching television, playing a video game, chatting with friends on social media or using a smartphone or a tablet.
It’s fun and can be beneficial, but too much could negatively affect a child’s mental and physical wellbeing and focus.
How do I help my child strike a good balance?
Every child is unique, so there’s no ‘one size fits all’ solution. It’s important to remember that not all screen time is bad. Helping your child understand the difference between active and passive screen time will empower them to make good decisions about how to use their time online with self-regulation. For example, chatting with family far away or being actively engaged in a video game can be a positive, rewarding experience and is very different to passively scrolling through online videos.
Talk to your child about how they spend their time online and what they enjoy most. As you chat, you can start to introduce topics such as why it’s good to have a balanced approach, the importance of taking regular breaks and together create a plan that’s right for them.
Connect with your child on their level
Screen time can be a way to strengthen family bonds and your child’s social connections, so why not get involved in their digital life? Find games you can play together, learn a dance together online, or encourage them to connect with friends and family who live far away. Online activities can often inspire offline family activities, such as interest in a sport they’ve never played or taking an interest in an animal they saw online.
Worried about your child’s level of screen time?
The word addiction gets used a lot when we think we’re spending too much time online. If you are concerned that too much screen time is having a negative impact on your child, for example if it’s affecting their schoolwork, their mood or physical wellbeing, then it might be worth speaking to a counsellor or a medical professional.
As grown-ups, it’s also good to consider how much time we ourselves spend on screens and to set a good example by following the family agreements we make with our children.
How is the LEGO Group helping keep kids safe online?
Our digital experiences and games are safe-by-design and we always strive to be best in class when it comes to our users’ online safety. On our social platforms all comments and uploads are checked by trained moderators, so things are kept positive and fun and children get playful, randomized names to protect their identity.
We have also introduced Verified Parental Consent, enabling parents to verify themselves and give consent for their child to play and share in our LEGO experiences.