How to Manage Screen Time during Online Learning

Online learning truly can be overwhelming with the amount of time you need to spend on accessing educational materials to crush your learning goals. But who says you need to strain your eyes to crush your goals? 

Screen time refers to the amount of time one spends in front of digital devices. Managing screen time during online learning is important to create a healthy balance between educational activities and leisure as well as taking care of your eyes. Here are some tips on how to manage screen time when learning online:

• Establishing a schedule and sticking to it is a great way of managing screen time. Create a schedule that dedicates specific hours a day or week to online classes, assignments, and other educational activities, and make sure to eliminate any form of distractions so the time is strictly for education and you get to cover up the bulk of work
• Incorporate a couple of break times into your schedule to relax your eyes, stretch, and do some physical activities. This can help re-energize and recharge focus and concentration. 
• Set screen time limits to encourage you to set your gadget down daily or weekly. In setting a screen time, do it for both educational and recreational activities and make sure the leisure screen time doesn’t get into educational screen time.  
• Parents should also help children manage screen time by initiating physical fun outdoor activities such as play dates and park visits. 
• The usage of parental control apps and software can keep parents informed of the activities of children with digital gadgets and these software can restrict access into non educational websites and apps during learning hours. 
• Parents should educate children about the importance of good screen habits. Even in the absence of parents, children know what and what not to do to manage screen time
• Parents and adults can help children practice safe screen habits. Using the blue light filter is one way to teach them healthy screen habits. Also, setting up apps and features that monitor and reduce the impact of screen time on sleep patterns and eye strain
• Children are first visual learners and grasp what role models (Parents and family)  around them do so it will be wise for parents to lead by example and also practice screen time management for children to follow suit. 
• Implement routines before bedtime that don’t involve screens and calm the child, e.g. reading a book before bedtime or practicing relaxation exercises. This calms the child and prepares the mind for sleep. 
• Encourage in-person networking by allowing your child to teach you what he/she has learned. That way, the child is also learning from what they understood during online learning and also educating themselves away from the screen. 

In following through these screen time management tips, learners can improve academic performance without overstretching themselves as well as their physical health.