How Can I Use Media To Teach My Kid Self-Control?

You can use media to help strengthen kids’ self-control by setting appropriate media limits (with their input), finding media that helps kids organize their schedules and sharpen their focus, watching shows that promote the value of self-control, and demonstrate the consequences of having no self-control.

Movies, TV, and Books:

• Create an environment where kids can be consistent with their reading—for example, a certain time of day or a certain place in the house.
• Encourage your kid to stick with a book for an extra page or chapter before deciding he doesn’t like it.
• Read about characters who developed self-control.
• Watch movies and TV that promote self-control.

Social Media, Apps, Games, and Websites:

• Work together to create a weekly media schedule with a balance of activities and screen time.
• Find apps and games that require focus and concentration — for example, strategy or role-playing games.
• Help your kids learn to self-regulate their own behavior.
• Seek out apps that help kids with organization and routines.
• Use accessibility settings such as Guided Access to keep tablets locked on one task at a time.
• Encourage kids to think through the consequences of their online actions.