With screens virtually everywhere, monitoring a child's screen time can be challenging. To complicate matters, some screen time can be educational and support children's social development. So how do you manage your child's screen time? Here's a primer on guiding your child's use of screens and media.
The problems with screens
Too much screen time and regular exposure to poor-quality programming has been linked to:
Obesity
Inadequate sleep schedules and insufficient sleep
Behavior problems
Delays in language and social skills development
Violence
Attention problems
Less time learning
Keep in mind that unstructured playtime is more valuable for a young child's developing brain than is electronic media. Children younger than age 2 are more likely to learn when they interact and play with parents, siblings, and other children and adults.
By age 2, children may benefit from some types of screen time, such as programming with music, movement, and stories. By watching together, you can help your child understand what he or he is seeing and apply it in real life. However, passive screen time shouldn't replace reading, playing, or problem-solving.
Setting limits for older children
Establish clear rules and set reasonable limits for your child's use of digital media. Consider these tips:
Encourage unplugged, unstructured playtime.
Create tech-free zones or times, such as during mealtime or one night a week.
Discourage the use of media entertainment during homework.
Set and enforce daily or weekly screen time limits and curfews, such as no exposure to devices or screens one hour before bedtime.
Consider using apps that control the length of time a child can use a device.
Keep screens out of your child's bedroom and consider requiring your children to charge their devices outside of their bedrooms at night.
Eliminate background TV.
Encouraging digital literacy
At some point, your child will be exposed to content that you haven't approved and devices without internet filters. Talk to your child about the situations that could occur and the behavior you expect.
Encourage your child to think critically about what they see on their screens. Ask your child to consider whether everything on the internet is accurate. Does your child know how to tell if a website is trustworthy? Help your child understand that media are made by humans with points of view. Explain that many types of technology collect data to send users ads or to make money.
Teaching appropriate behavior
Online relationships and social media have become a major part of adolescent life. Experts suggest that it's OK for your teen to be a part of these worlds — as long as your child understands appropriate behavior. Explain what's allowed and what's not, such as sexting, cyberbullying, and sharing personal information online. Teach your child not to send or share anything online that he or she would not want the entire world to see for eternity.
No matter how smart or mature you feel your child is, monitor his or her online and social media behavior. Your child is bound to make mistakes using media. Talk to your child and help him or she learn from them.
Also, set a good example. Consider that your child is watching you for cues on when it's OK to use screens and how to use them.
You'll likely need to continue to guide, manage and monitor your child's use of screens and media as he or she grows. But by developing household rules — and revisiting them as your child grows — you can help ensure a safe experience.
CTTO: mayoclinic.org
Comments