The holiday season, often envisioned as a time for joy and connection, has increasingly become a period of concern for parents grappling with their children's excessive screens. Overexposure to screen light is not a minor inconvenience; it is a pervasive issue significantly impacting children's health and overall activeness. ALSO READ: Too much screen time, staying indoors linked to myopia in children Janvier Muhire, a clinician at Mental Health Hub Africa which offers workplace mental health support for employees, highlighted the negative effects of excessive screen time and offered guidance on mitigating them. “Excessive screen time is a real concern for parents, and I have seen the consequences firsthand,” Muhire told The New Times. “It often leads to increased weight because kids are just sedentary, and their eyesight can suffer. It impacts the emotional bond with our children. Instead of a warm welcome, you sometimes get a child glued to a screen.” The clinician said in holidays children should be engaged in more productive and play activities. For example, they can attend church programmes where kids learn practical skills like playing the piano or guitar, and embrace traditional dancing. “In rural areas,” he said, “children can help with chores at home. There should also be trips to the library to keep their minds sharp. It is all about finding that balance. In this article, The New Times looks at practical tips on striking balanced engagement and reducing excessive digital consumption. 1. Set clear rules and routines To help children avoid excessive screen time during holidays, parents should set clear rules and routines. This involves establishing age-appropriate daily or weekly screen time limits (e.g: 1-2 hours per day) and creating a comprehensive schedule that allocates dedicated time for reading, house chores, outdoor play, family activities, and rest. ALSO READ: Balancing learning and screen time 2. Involve children in planning Involving children in planning encourages them to co-create a balanced holiday plan that incorporates a mix of fun, learning, and rest. By allowing children to help design their daily routines, they are more likely to adhere to them. For example, parents can ask; ‘What three non-screen things would you like to do today?’ This encourages children’s active participation. Esperance Nyiramahoro, a mother of three residing in Kigali, emphasized the importance of involving children in holiday planning. Involving children in holiday planning is invaluable and it makes them feel like a vital part of a family's decisions,” said Nyiramahoro. “Frankly, what is the point of planning a holiday for them if their own preferences are not considered?” “My children and I collaborate on a timetable that balances their desires with important life skills, like daily chores such as washing their clothes preparing them for future independence.” She added her children also get dedicated time for relaxation, like watching TV in the evening and visiting family and friends. “Holidays are just as much about unwinding as they are about growing, Nyiramahoro said. 3. Offer fun and meaningful alternatives To effectively reduce children's excessive screen time during holidays, parents can employ a multi-faceted approach. For example, alternative options include outdoor activities such as walks, bike rides, or nature exploration. There is also creative projects like drawing, crafts, or storytelling and reading challenges. Other skill-building activities include cooking, gardening, or learning a new language. Chantal Mutesi Gasana, a children’s book author and founder of Ubuntu Publishers and Arise Education, highlighted the benefits of reading for children and encouraged parental involvement in shared reading. “I truly believe holidays are a golden opportunity to cultivate lifelong learners through reading,” Gasana said. “It is more than just a pastime; it is a window into diverse cultures and a catalyst for curiosity. My approach is simple: involve them directly; visit bookstores, choose books together, and then it will become a habit.” She added that it is always good to urge kids to share what they have learned, and have dedicated family reading time, sometimes tackling a chapter together. 4. Plan social interactions This involves facilitating playdates and group games for safe engagement with friends or cousins, and organizing family game nights with board games, puzzles, or trivia to foster bonding and diminish the appeal of screens. 5. Be a role model Parents can help children manage screen time during holidays by modeling balanced habits, such as limiting their own screen use. Additionally, engaging in screen-free shared activities like cooking, cleaning, or sports can further support this effort. Nyiramahoro again noted that effective parenting begins with actions, not just instructions. Children imitate our actions, not words,” she said. “Telling my kids that sports is beneficial while I am lounging around just doesn't resonate. They will quickly point out the inconsistency, and ask, ‘How come mom tells us to play sports when she is still in bed?’ Kids are keen observers, and what they see us do speaks far louder than anything we say,” said Nyiramahoro. Honore Manzi Murengezi, a 22-year-old dancer and creative educator based in Kigali talked about how holidays are for balanced growth which is essential for achieving success. “Screen time is not bad; it is all about balance. Instead, one should use screen time productively, searching for workshops, training, or mentorships that align with his or her interests,” Murengezi said. “Holidays are perfect for developing one’s talents, whether it is dancing, writing, or coding. But it is also crucial to remember school responsibilities and revise lessons. Ultimately, I believe balancing your passions with your academics is key to success, said Murengezi. In Rwamagana, Jeanne Mukabaganwa, a mother of five, advocates for teaching children house chores during holidays to limit their screen exposure. “Sending house helpers for a break during holidays presents a valuable opportunity for children to learn various household chores,” Mukabaganwa said. “This approach addresses the concerning trend of children finishing their education with limited practical home-keeping skills. It is crucial, however, for parents to provide assistance and guidance, while also ensuring children have adequate time for relaxation, such as watching television.” Anastase Baboneye, a computer science teacher in Nyabihu, highlighted a crucial need for coaching to all students during holidays. Coaching should be for all students, explained Baboneye. For instance, he said, during the main holiday season, coaching can help students start the next academic year prepared for new studies, making it easier for them to understand their subjects at school. “However, it should also be kept in mind that they need time for leisure,” he said.
