Blinky and the Phone Fiasco: A Family Guide to Screentime Limits
#3 in Blinky’s Adventures Series
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
Tripler Pell, MD, MSc is a family physician, medical school teacher, and academic researcher with international experience. She is an active mother of three and recently authored a light-hearted children's story about the use of wireless devices by small children. The book is designed to be fun and entertaining for children under age 8, while also helping parents and children set limits and explore a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, the book includes a section with suggestions on how to make screen time safer for children.
Discussion points
How did Blinky feel when their screen time was limited, and why do you think they felt that way?
What are some fun activities that you enjoy that don’t involve screens?
If you were Blinky, how would you handle the situation differently?
Why do you think it's important to have time away from screens?
Can you think of ways our family can balance screen time together?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion in a relaxed setting, perhaps after reading the book together. Show genuine interest in your child's thoughts and feelings about the book's themes. Encourage them to come up with alternative activities to screen time, reinforcing the idea through collaborative decision-making. Utilize examples from the book to illustrate points, making the conversation relevant and relatable. Finally, be open to discussing your own screen time habits and what you can do as a family to improve.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Setting Boundaries
Explanation: Blinky learns to establish a healthy balance between screentime and other activities, demonstrating the consequences of excess device usage.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by adhering to agreed screentime limits, fostering discipline and better time management.
Example Lesson: Value of Face-to-Face Interaction
Explanation: The story reveals how Blinky's relationships improve when he spends more time interacting with friends and family in person rather than online.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice enhancing their social skills and strengthening bonds through more direct interactions with others.
Example Lesson: Creativity Beyond Screens
Explanation: Blinky discovers new hobbies and interests beyond his digital devices, showcasing the diversity of entertainment and learning.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore and engage in creative or outdoor activities, thereby reducing their dependency on electronic devices.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Screen Addiction
Explanation: The book highlights how excessive screentime can lead to problems like sleep disruption and decreased academic performance.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of moderation and can strive to balance their screentime to avoid negative outcomes.
Example Lesson: Family Engagement
Explanation: Blinky and his family come together to set screentime rules, showing the benefit of cooperative decision making.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to involve family members in setting goals and making decisions, promoting a supportive environment at home.