Screen Time: Five Ways To Manage Your Child's Technology Diet

5 Ways To Manage Your Child's Technology Diet
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Children have grown up with laptops, computers, smartphones and tablets, so it's never going to be easy to take away or even limit that part of their lives.

But how can you make sure their screen time is healthy?

Parents from the HuffPost Community discussed how they manage their children's media diet, with some interesting revelations.

We've listed some tips below, but watch the video above for more detailed advice.

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1. Look at your own use of screen time.

Rather than being too focused on how much time your child is spending on their tablets, it's a good idea to assess what your own "media diet" is like.

One parent said: "If you're there to be with your child, be with them, if you're constantly playing games on your phone instead of being with them, you've got to question your priorities."

2. Look at schools.

Just as we are beginning to use technology more in our lives, so are schools when educating children.

One parent suggested discussing with your child's school how much they rely on computers, so you can find a balance at home.

3. Reading should be from a book.

When reading on a screen such as an e-reader, there seems to be a tendency to skip forward and not fully take it in, according to one parent.

He said reading a physical book is "much more fulfilling" and doing this in front of your child will set a good example.

4. Tempt them with colouring and other games.

It's easy to fall into the default setting of letting your child occupy themselves, but one great piece of advice was to make an effort to show them what else is on offer, whether it be colouring, games, a play kitchen or anything non-tech related.

5. When the weather's warm...

"Go outside!" said one mum. Tempt your kids away from their screens by offering to play tag or What's The Time Mr Wolf.

Watch the video above for more advice on handling your child's tech habits.

This August we're running a Digital Detox campaign, where we're championing switching off, spending more time with our loved ones and being more mindful around technology. From inspirational interviews to how it can massively improve your life, we hope to inspire everyone to get out there and reconnect with the world. If you'd like to contribute or blog, email uklifestyle@huffingtonpost.com or tag us on social media using the hashtag #HPDigital Detox

Unplug & Recharge At These 8 Digital Detox Retreats
Shambhala Ranch Retreat, Ukiah, California(01 of08)
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The Digital Detox (whose company motto is "disconnect to reconnect") offers regular tech-free getaways to the peaceful Shambhala Ranch Retreat in the Mendocino hills of Northern California. The restorative trip includes yoga, meditation, hiking, art, and organic cuisine -- no devices allowed. The intimate retreat is open to a maximum of 14 guests, who stay in luxurious private rooms in the large ranch-style lodge. Four-day stays range from $500-950. (credit:Flickr: Prime Pixellographer)
St. Vincent and the Grenadines, The Caribbean(02 of08)
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The small Caribbean island group of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is encouraging travelers to leave their gadgets at home when they come to enjoy the tropical beauty of the island on their vacation. The islands offer a digital detox vacation package, complete with a tech-free travel guidebook and life coach who will guide you in learning not to let technology control your life. (credit:Getty)
Jacada Travel African Retreat, Tanzania & Mozambique(03 of08)
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Experience the beauty of nature and the tranquility of a technology-free existence, try this 12-day African retreat from Jacada Travel. The group trip starts with a safari on the Selous Game Reserve -- one of the largest faunal reserves in the world, and ends with some R&R on the stunning beaches of Mozambique. And of course, enjoy spa treatments and yoga for extra de-stressing. 12-day packages from $12,248 per person. (credit:Jacada Travel)
Via Yoga Retreats, Mexico & Costa Rica(04 of08)
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With luxury yoga retreats in Costa Rica, Sayulita, Mexico, and Todos Santos, Mexico through the year, Via Yoga offers the ultimate wellness retreat and digital detox package. Although you don't have to give up your gadgets, yoga retreat attendees who turn in their iPhones upon arrival receive a 15 percent discount. In addition to beachside yoga, pilates and meditation classes, guests can also enjoy surfing and outdoor activities. Retreat rates start at $2,395 per person. (credit:Flickr: Villa Amor in Sayulita)
Lake Placid Lodge, Lake Placid, New York(05 of08)
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On the shores of Lake Placid, surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains, the rustic yet luxurious Lake Placid Lodge is the perfect place to escape the distractions of everyday life. With the "Check-In to Check-Out" package, you can check in your devices upon arrival and use the rest of your trip to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery, outdoor activities, and the hotel's many amenities. Private cabins start at $375 per night. (credit:Flickr: rhyndman)
The Westin Dublin Digital Detox Package, Dublin, Ireland(06 of08)
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Dublin may be a major metropolitan city, but that doesn't mean you can't do a little unplugging on your next trip to Ireland. The luxurious, five-star Westin Dublin's digital detox package includes breakfast in bed, in-room massage, detox survival kit, and a safe to lock your gadgets away in, so that you can enjoy tranquility and peace in the heart of downtown Dublin. Rates start at $227 per person per night. (credit:Flickr: || UggBoy♥UggGirl || PHOTO || WORLD || TRAVEL ||)
Jacada Travel Wellness Getaway, Bajos del Toro, Costa Rica(07 of08)
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Head down to tropical Costa Rica to get away from the business of your everyday life and enjoy a little R&R. The retreat takes travelers through the Cloud Forests and then on to the beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula. All-inclusive 10-day packages from $5,957 per person. (credit:Jacada Travel)
Camp Grounded, Anderson Valley, California(08 of08)
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This summer camp for adults promises visitors a chance to get back to childhood -- with campire songs instead of YouTube videos and board games instead of Angry Birds, The Digital Detox's "Camp Grounded" is all about technology-free summer fun. This June, 200 grown-up campers will unplug for four days of outdoor activities and nostalgia in the California redwoods. Four-day stays start at $340 per person. (credit:Shutterstock)