When our kids are behaving badly after screen time, we may never have a perfect explanation—but here are some (science-backed!) reasons why this might happen: (View Highlight)
hard to stop fun things
Sometimes, it’s really this simple.
Have you ever gotten a really good massage? Did you love the moment the lights went on and you had to shimmy your clothes back over your damp, oil-covered skin? No. It’s a bummer when fun things end! Screens likely activate the reward system of the brain—but I’m not sure we need a brain-based explanation to tell us that, a lot of the time, screens are fun. And stopping fun things can put anyone in a bad mood. (View Highlight)
They are (momentarily) lacking some skills
Certain types of screen use, for some kids, can lead to short-term deficits in executive functioning skills (like memory, attention, and self-regulation). Managing our moods and behavior requires those skills. So, regulating emotions might not be our kids’ strong suit in the moments after screen time ends. (View Highlight)
Kids copy the things they see. This is true for both positive and negative behaviors. There is evidence that playing violent video games, for example, can result in children modeling aggressive behavior, and, alternatively, that watching shows with prosocial messages can encourage positive behavior. [2]
Imitation may be especially likely with younger kids. So, if you’re noticing your child’s behavior worsen after they watch particularly mischievous, mean, or whiny characters, this could be part of it. (View Highlight)
They’re not doing other stuff
We have a lot of evidence that physical activity has a positive impact on mood, as does time spent outside. By definition, our children are not doing those things if they’re inside, sedentary, and staring at a device. Their mood may, thus, be worse after screen time in comparison to how they feel after those other activities. (View Highlight)
In the research, overstimulation(or “sensory overload”) means that the sensory demands of the environment—like sounds, visuals, and movement—are too great for kids to process effectively. This can lead to stress, irritability, or overwhelm. (View Highlight)
For the average kid, certain media experiences (e.g., loud, fast, bright content) certainly can cause overstimulation, but sensitivity to sensory input varies a lot between kids. Kids differ in the type of sensory input they’re sensitive to, so it’s difficult to label certain shows or games as “overstimulating” across the board. And kids with certain conditions (e.g., ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder) may be either over- or under- responsive, leading to more difficulties managing emotions when screen time is over. (View Highlight)
No surprise that screens can bring up strong emotions. These can be positive (e.g., excitement over Bluey’s dance moves) or negative (e.g., frustration at losing a game, fear that the Octonauts will fail in their mission). (View Highlight)
. Experiment with different types of media use and content
Sensory experiences are highly individualized [4] —everything from the colors on the screen, to their familiarity with an episode, to the soundtrack, to the device type can all make a difference. So, find what works (and doesn’t work) for your child. (View Highlight)
. Try out different stopping points
If their screen time is regularly ending right at the moment when they’re about to advance to the next level of their video game, a later stopping point may be the answer.
If screen time is dragging on to a point where they’re restless and irritated, stopping earlier is likely worth a try.
Always try to give them a warning when the end is approaching (View Highlight)
. Talk to them about it
Pick a time when everyone is calm and discuss post-screen time transitions. Depending on their age, you might open with something like “I’ve noticed it can feel hard to turn off the iPad when screen time is over. Why do you think that is? What can we do to make it easier?”
From there, you can brainstorm solutions. This might include suggesting coping skills to try next time they’re frustrated screen time is over. (View Highlight)
Try working together with your child to come up with a screen time transition plan. Maybe it’s easier for them to stop after a certain number of minutes, or, alternatively, after a certain number of episodes or video game levels. Maybe they’d do well with a five-minute warning. Maybe certain times of day, or certain shows or screen activities should be on- or off-limits. (View Highlight)
activities
Immediately after screen time might not be the ideal time for cognitively-taxing activities (e.g., homework, organizing toys).
Depending on your child’s sensory preferences, it might also be a good time for a low-energy activity (e.g., doing a puzzle) or a high-energy one (e.g., jumping jacks). (View Highlight)
As with anything, when we tell our kids screen time is over, we really have to mean it (easier said than done, I know). If we tell them to put down the iPad, and then they whine and cry and tantrum, and then we change our minds, what happens? They learn that all they need to do is whine and cry and tantrum, and then they’ll get more screen time.
You can still be nice, of course “I know this is really hard. You really want to keep watching!” but do your best to remain firm: “It’s time to turn off the iPad.”[5] (View Highlight)
Simple, but effective. Sometimes a “stopping cue” (i.e., a video or episode ending) can signal to kids that screen time is over, and make it a bit easier to transition away. Here’s how to do this on YouTube and Netflix. (View Highlight)
. Reduce screen time
I know this is an obvious one, but if your child is repeatedly struggling with their mood or behavior after using screens, you might consider taking a break.
Different screen time “plans” work for different families, and a less-is-more approach might work for you. Also—if kids are using screens at the expense of other mood-boosting activities (sleep, time outside, physical activity), it may be time to cut down. (View Highlight)
