Do You Know How Much Screen Time Is Appropriate for Your Child?
By Movieguide® Contributor
Did your child get a new device for Christmas? A pediatrician from the Cleveland Clinic is weighing in on the dangers of kids’ screen use and sharing how to ensure they use the tech safely.
“They are showing a significant amount of distraction and decrease in learning, as well as decrease in the ability for kids to have face to face interaction where they learn about how to socially interact with each other,” pediatrician Dr. Adam Keating said regarding his concerns over child screen use.
Fox reported, “New research published in the National Library of Medicine indicates more screen time was associated with lower wellbeing in children ages 2 to 17, and children with high usage of screen time showed less curiosity, self-control, and emotional stability.”
READ MORE: IS IT REALLY THAT BAD IF KIDS HAVE SCREEN TIME?
Dr. Keating added, “It’s certainly not the only reason why we’re having some increases in loneliness, anxiety and depression among kids, but cell phones are certainly a contributing factor.”
He then shared some recommendations on how much screen time may be considered “safe.”
“American Academy of Pediatrics recommends less than 2 hours of screen time per day, and I’d say for preschoolers that should be even less,” Keating said.
The Mayo Clinic elaborated: “The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages media use, except for video chatting, by children younger than 18 months. If you introduce digital media to children ages 18 to 24 months, make sure it’s high quality and avoid solo media use. For children ages 2 to 5, limit screen time to one hour a day of high-quality programming.”
For children ages 6 and older, “Establish personal screen time limits that ensure that media does not interfere with sleep, exercise or other healthy behaviors,” Children’s Health advises.
As kids get older, parents may have to adjust screen time rules to accomodate online activies like homework. Movieguide® suggests these tips to curb your child’s screen use:
- Set Screen Time Limits: Establish clear and consistent screen time limits for different activities, such as TV, video games and social media. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children aged 2 to 5 years should have no more than one hour of high-quality screen time per day, and children under 18 months should avoid screen time altogether.
- Create Screen-Free Zones: Designate specific areas in your home, such as the dining room or bedrooms, where screens are not allowed. This helps prevent screens from intruding on family time and sleep.
- Be a Role Model: Children often emulate the behavior of adults. If you want your child to spend less time on screens, be a positive role model by reducing your own screen time and engaging in non-screen activities.
- Provide Alternative Activities: Encourage your child to engage in alternative activities like reading, outdoor play, creative arts and crafts or board games. Make these activities readily available and appealing.
- Plan Screen Time: Instead of allowing unrestricted screen access, plan screen time as a part of your child’s daily routine. Set specific times for screen use, such as after homework or chores are completed.
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