In today’s world, technology has become a part of our everyday lives. We probably use our smartphones and other devices more than we would like to admit, and the reality is that screen time is increasing for children as well. While iPads are an easy way to occupy children when all else fails, it is important that parents set boundaries when it comes to screen time.
The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry has come up with the following guidelines for screen time based on age.
- 0-18 months: Avoid screens as much as possible. Occasionally video chatting with a close relative is okay.
- 18-24 months: Allow a few hours a week of educational videos while a parent is watching along.
- 2 years to 5 years: Can allow more time for educational videos, but non-educational screen time should be limited to an hour per day.
- 6 and up: Focus on encouraging activities that do not involve screens, such as after-school activities with friends. Non-educational screen time should continue to be limited, especially on weekdays.
While these are the suggested limits on screen time, it is widely known that less than an hour a day for your 5-year-old is often unrealistic. Do not feel guilty if you turn on Paw Patrol or Frozen just to occupy your children so you can get things done around the house. You’re not alone! Dr. Jenny Radeski, M.D. is a pediatrician and expert on children and media. She suggests that rather than setting a universal time limit for children, parents should consider the 3 C’s: child, content, and context.
- Child: Parents know their children better than anyone else. Even if you aren’t keeping a timer for how many hours a day they are staring at a screen, you can tell when they have had too much. You can also tell how the screen is affecting their mood. For example, if your child older child appears anxious, make sure they are not watching things such as a scary video or the news.
- Content: In this case, the phrase “quality over quantity” rings true. Educational videos from sources such as PBS Kids are preferred over mindless videos. In terms of quantity, it is also important to think about the level of stimulation in a certain video. Fast paced-stimulating shows have been proven to make other slower tasks such as looking at a book or playing with toys less appealing. Live camera feeds display a realistic pace of life and can be a great option for screen time in young children. For example, the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Cincinnati Zoo offer live feeds of the animals that are realistic and educational.
- Context: Radesky encourages parents to be present and engage with their children when it comes to screen time. Parents should take an interest in what their kids watch and use their interests as a starting point for conversation. Children should also be given the opportunity to apply what they are seeing on the screens to real life. One example would be watching a “how to” cooking video, and then using this new information to cook together as a family activity.
Ultimately, parents know their children best and can often tell when they have had too much screen time. Children benefit from structure, so setting boundaries on screen time will be beneficial. Set certain times of the day when screens are off limits, such as an hour or two before bed. Mealtimes would another time of the day where it would be wise to consider limiting/eliminating access to screentime in order to help establish healthy mealtime habits and routines as well as to encourage increased social interaction and interaction with food during meals. Parents can also set up spaces in the home where screens are off limits, creating a family-friendly environment where conversation is encouraged. By establishing this routine early in your child’s life, you are instilling healthy habits that will stick with them!