In a society where technology seems inevitable, it can seem near impossible to avoid screen time with your children. It is, however, important to be aware of how much screen time our children are facing on a day-to-day basis. Screens can impact memory, language, and literacy skills. Various studies have shown that children who exceeded screen time recommendations set forth by the AAP performed worse on cognitive tests.
The AAP has recommendations based on various research:
- Children 18 months or younger: No screens are best except for video chat with family and friends.
- 18 months to 2 years: Limit screen time and avoid solo use. Choose high-quality programming that is educational and watch with your child to ensure understanding.
- 2-5 years: Limit screen time to an hour a day and co-watch if possible.
- 6 or older: Place consistent limits on screen time as decided on by the family, but assure it doesn’t impact their sleep, exercise, or behavior.
The goal is to understand child development and create rules that work for your family. Remember to always keep your child’s development in mind and balance the use with meaningful family activities. Screens are here to stay and it’s important you know how to effectively use them.
Here are some general rules to help with healthy screen relationships:
Co-view as much as possible. By doing this, you can point out things that interest them and make this a developmental activity. Co-viewing is even more important for the younger and less verbal they are to build language skills.
Avoid using screens with meals: Mealtime is for eating. Screens distract children from the act of eating.
Avoid screens in bedrooms. Bedrooms are for sleep and relaxation.
Limit tablet usage to minimize close viewing for eye health. Put whatever video or show they are watching on the big screen.
WHAT IS CO-VIEWING AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Co-viewing is when you and your child watch a show together and interact based on what you see. Co-viewing matters because it helps us see and hear what our children see and hear. Television and movies provide our children with information, some factual and some fictional. There are also images on the screen that can bring out strong feelings. So, when you watch a show or movie, you can ask questions to help them think about what they see and learn. Co-viewing builds social and emotional connections, language development, and cognitive development.
Co-viewing can also be an opportunity to teach lessons. If watching a show where somebody is hurt, you can take the opportunity to discuss that with them. It’s also a time to cuddle, focus your attention together, and share the experience of seeing and hearing the same thing, just like story time.
Choose a children’s programming that you both enjoy. If you find the show as annoying, you are less likely to engage in the show. Ask questions during or after such as-
– What character or animals do you see? Do you have a matching character or animal?
– What is happening/ed in the show?
– What did the character do? How did it make you feel?
While it is still important to factor in how much time your child is spending on technology, focus more on how you are using it. Balance it with other developmentally enriching activities. If you have additional questions about technology usage and technology time, ask your Mainstreet Pediatrics Provider at your next visit.
