Safe use of mobile devices with Type 1 Diabetes
Setting up healthy routines
The advancement of technology to assist the daily routine of diabetes is extremely helpful. However, it is important to create clear boundaries in the use of technology. We strongly suggest all children and teenagers have a routine at home, during the school week – around wake up time, meals, and bedtime. These routines are important to keep on weekends and school holidays as well to assist with good emotional and physical energy. Within their routine there will be fun activities, exercise, and most likely screentime.
Parents’ Guide to Screen Time Daily Hours
Parents role is to support children and teenagers to achieve a healthy mix of screen time with other activities.
Children and teenagers are easily influenced by parents’ habits. If you are being responsible with your mobile devices, they are more likely to be as well.
Australian Federal Government screen time standards are:
- no screen time for children younger than 2 years
- no more than one hour per day for children aged 2–5 years.
- no more than two hours of sedentary recreational screen time per day for children and young people aged 5–17 years (not including schoolwork).
Creating a “tech agreement”
A “tech agreement” creates a set of clear rules and expectations around your child/teen’s online behaviour. The purpose of a tech agreement is to open discussions about the time your child/teen spends online. “Tech agreements” add a sense of formality regarding the child/teen’s access to the internet and digital devices and reiterates the consistent and positive behaviour expectations. Keep in mind that your children/teenagers may be strongly influenced by their peers.
4-8yr No access to social media. Children’s TV and child suitable games are appropriate. (0–2-hour limit)
9-11yr Setting clear rules and boundaries for this age is important. Ensure your child is fully aware of the expectations regarding their online behaviour and the consequences should rules be broken e.g. No screen time on the day the rule is broken, return the following day to usual routine and reward positive behaviour (2-hour Limit)
12-14yr It is important parents stay firm at this age with “tech agreements” – ‘tweens’ within this age group are easily swayed by their emotions and lack critical thinking to make appropriate decisions consistently. “Tech agreements” need to be firm but fair, reward positive behaviour. (2-hour limit on top of screen time homework)
15yr plus Open and honest conversations about expectations in the online world. Focus on the attitudes and behaviours expected from them. It is important that the parents also role model appropriate online behaviour. e.g., Family meals are device free, make sure you as an adult respect this rule. (2-hour limit on top of screen time homework)
Examples of safe screen time apps:
Apple:
- Apple Family Sharing(external website)
Android:
- Digital Wellbeing for Android (external website)
Other Time limit applications:
- Bark parental control (external website)
- Qustodio parental control (external website)
- Beacon app (external website)
Know your children/teenagers’ social media apps
Supporting your child/teen’s digital journey is important. With the increasing online world and the addition of technology with T1D, it is essential we are doing all we can to guide this journey. It is important to know what Social Media apps your child /teen may be using- they have an age rating ranging from 4 years to 18 years.
Common Apps are, but not limited to:
- Social Media – TikTok, Instagram, snapchat, BeReal, Facebook, Complied discord
- Gaming - Minecraft, Roblox, among us, Call of Duty, Coin Master, Pokémon Go & Pokémon Unite, subway surfers, wordscapes, 8 ball pool, candy crush, fishdom, Fortnite, clash of clans & Clash Royale
- Shopping – Amazon, Etsy, gumtree, temu
- Entertainment – YouTube, Spotify music, Netflix.
- Education – Google Earth, ChatGPT
- Messaging – Messenger, WhatsApp, Snapchat
Ask your child/teenager what they are using and try to initiate open conversations about their use.
*compiled by Kirsty Browne-Cooper September 2023