Introduction
When it comes to children’s health, it can be difficult for parents to navigate the constantly evolving landscape of rules, recommendations, and research about the best way to provide the best care for their child. One area that deserves particular attention when it comes to children's health is screen time. With so much screen time available from televisions, phones, computers, and other devices, it is essential for parents to understand the facts when it comes to how much is too much and how to ensure their children are getting the most out of their device use while staying safe.
What is Screen Time?
Screen time is any time spent consuming digital content on an electronic device. This includes both passive activities, such as TV and movie watching, and interactive activities, such as surfing the internet, playing video games, and engaging with social media.
The Pros and Cons of Screen Time
Like many things, there are both advantages and disadvantages to screen time. Here are a few of them:
Pros - Provides entertainment and helps pass the time - Can help improve hand-eye coordination - Offers access to educational materials - Makes it easier to track health, nutrition, and fitness - Provides learning in a digital environment
Cons - Inactivity leads to physical health issues (obesity, poor posture, etc.) - Excessive use can potentially lead to internet addiction - Increases the risk of acquiring cyber bullying - Too much exposure to digital content may affect cognitive development - Unregulated use can lead to inappropriate consumption of online content
The American Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines
For parents looking for recommendations on screen time, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides guidelines that parents can follow to ensure their children are using screens responsibly. The AAP recommends limiting total screen time to less than one hour a day for children 2 to 5 years old and encourages parents to engage in active and interactive viewing with their children for children younger than 18 months old.
For adolescents 6 to 18 years old, the AAP recommends limiting recreational screen time to 2 hours a day and avoiding digital media during meal times and before bedtime. The AAP also recommends that parents talk to their children about responsible media use, be a good role model, and create a media plan to manage digital media in the household.
Strategies to Manage Screen Time
Managing screen time is no easy task. Here are some strategies that can help:
- Establish device-free zones. Make sure to keep TVs and other digital devices out of the bedrooms and dining areas.
- Create a media plan. Establish designated times when devices will be turned off so that other activities such as physical activity, reading, and spending time with family and friends can take priority.
- Lead by example. Actively limit your own screen time as a parent and don’t use your phone or computer as a way to entertain yourself or ignore each other.
- Encourage healthy device use. Provide access to appropriate content and activities, and involve the children in the selection of these materials.
- Utilize parental controls. Parental controls and software such as Qustodio can help parents monitor and manage their children’s screen time usage.
Setting Realistic Screen Time Expectations
Adhering to the AAP’s recommendations and strategies for managing screen time can be a great place to start. However, parents also need to be realistic about their expectations. Some days, children may need to use screens to complete schoolwork or entertainment may be needed to help them relax after difficult days due to stress. Also, devices can be a source of learning, so having parameters around educational device use and media consumption can help create a healthier balance.
Conclusion
When it comes to children’s health, finding the right balance between technology and other activities is essential. Screen time can be beneficial, but excessive use can lead to health risks and issues with Internet addiction. Parents should strive to adhere to the recommended guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics, as well as utilize strategies for managing screen time, such as device-free zones, establishing a media plan, and setting realistic expectations. By doing so, parents can help ensure that their children are using screen time safely and responsibly.