Pediatricians Agree: Screen Time Isn’t Too Bad for Kids
Time before the screen is not necessarily bad for children – it depends on what they do on this screen. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently agreed, moving away from tight time constraints in favor of more open guidelines.
The old AAP policy was to limit children’s screen time (including TV, games, and everything else) to two hours a day; under two years of age, the recommendation was zero. These recommendations are not only unrealistic, they are also based on assumptions about TV viewing that may not always apply to the way people use their phones and tablets. Vegetables in front of the pipe are probably no good for anyone, but that doesn’t mean kids shouldn’t be banned from playing games, using Skype for grandparents, or texting their friends.
New guidelines are still being written, but last week the AAP posted “key messages” that they will include. Some of the most notable:
The upbringing hasn’t changed. The same parenting rules apply to the real and virtual environment of your children. Play with them. The established limits; children need them and expect them. Teach kindness. Get involved. Know your friends and where they are going with them.
Content matters. The quality of the content is more important than the platform or the time spent in the media. Place your bet on how your child is spending their time, not just set a timer.
Your teenager might be online – that’s okay. Online relationships are integral to adolescent development. Social media can help shape identity. Teach your teen to behave correctly in both the real and the online world. Ask teens to demonstrate what they are doing online to help you understand both the content and the context.
When it comes to setting limits, instead of counting hours, they recommend asking the question, “Is your child’s technology helping or discouraging participation in other activities?” Another suggestion is to keep some tech-free zones, for example, to have everyone put their phones away while eating and charge them outside the bedroom so they don’t interfere with sleep.
Beyond Turn It Off: How To Advise Families On Using Media | American Academy of Pediatrics
Photo by Jim Bauer .
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