In an example of how this can be done, one parent we connected with, guided her teens to produce a short holiday video. This built digital skills and shifted device use from scrolling to creativity.
Such approaches transfer responsibility to the child and nurture self-discipline. They turn parenting from rule enforcement into relationship building, from "because I said so" to "let's figure this out together."
Ultimately, managing teen screen use should feel less like control and more like collaboration as the child matures.
Technology will only become more entwined with life, and no rule can fully shield children from it. But parents who understand both their child and the media they consume can turn conflicts into teachable moments.
As children grow older, the goal is not to limit every screen, but to guide every conversation. When parents listen first with empathy and consistency, teenagers learn to regulate themselves.
Dr Jiow Hee Jhee is an associate professor and deputy director of the Teaching and Learning Academy at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT). He is also a member of the Media Literacy Council.
Adeline Tay is a recent graduate of SIT. She has presented at academic conferences, published academic journal articles, participated in radio interviews and contributed opinion pieces.
Continue reading...
Such approaches transfer responsibility to the child and nurture self-discipline. They turn parenting from rule enforcement into relationship building, from "because I said so" to "let's figure this out together."
Ultimately, managing teen screen use should feel less like control and more like collaboration as the child matures.
LISTENING BEFORE LIMITING
Technology will only become more entwined with life, and no rule can fully shield children from it. But parents who understand both their child and the media they consume can turn conflicts into teachable moments.
As children grow older, the goal is not to limit every screen, but to guide every conversation. When parents listen first with empathy and consistency, teenagers learn to regulate themselves.
Dr Jiow Hee Jhee is an associate professor and deputy director of the Teaching and Learning Academy at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT). He is also a member of the Media Literacy Council.
Adeline Tay is a recent graduate of SIT. She has presented at academic conferences, published academic journal articles, participated in radio interviews and contributed opinion pieces.
Continue reading...