How to keep your child's tablets, laptops from becoming distractions from schoolwork

Tablets and laptops are now essential for students' schoolwork, but these devices can also serve as distractions with games, social media, and web browsing at hand. Parents often struggle to keep their children focused on their tasks, especially when using school-managed devices where parental control options may be limited. To help children stay on track, parents can explore various strategies that cater to whether the devices are personal or managed by the school.

For personal devices, parents have greater control over settings. They can disable pop-up notifications, block specific websites, or uninstall unnecessary apps. However, school-issued devices sometimes come with preloaded software and restricted settings. Parents can inquire about the existing controls and restrictions implemented by the school, or even explore the possibility of completing assignments on paper.

While limiting technology use entirely may have tradeoffs, as certain tools offer personalized instruction and technology skill development, it is crucial to balance this with the need for individualized attention.

One effective method to minimize interruptions is to enable digital Do Not Disturb modes. On Apple devices, such as MacBooks, users can activate focus modes that silence notifications, calls, and texts. Android devices offer a standalone Do Not Disturb feature, along with a separate focus mode accessible through Digital Wellbeing settings.

This mode can pause selected apps and dim their icons, making them less accessible. Parents can utilize built-in controls on both Apple and Android devices to regulate screen time, setting limits on categories of apps or individual apps. For Google users, Family Link provides a way to manage settings and screen-time restrictions on Android devices or Chromebooks. Apple users can manage these controls for their child's iPhone, iPad, or Mac using Family Sharing.

It is important to note that screen-time limits may not always be effective, as children can sometimes request additional time or bypass restrictions. In such cases, parents may need to review the school's device policy or consult the technology department. A more straightforward approach is to remove distracting apps altogether, eliminating the temptation to open them.

While device settings can mitigate some distractions, parents should also encourage children to develop self-management skills. Experts suggest being mindful of each child's individual attention span and scheduling work during periods of peak focus. Establishing a dedicated workspace free from multiple devices can also enhance concentration.

Mark, an expert in attention span, emphasizes the importance of actively engaging with the material at hand, avoiding frequent shifts in focus, which can hinder learning and retention. Setting clear goals and rewarding accomplishments can further help children maintain focus on their tasks. Finally, starting homework as soon as possible after school, rather than waiting until late at night, can prevent sleep disruptions.

The key is not to eliminate all distractions but to help children understand their optimal focus times and develop strategies to stay on task.