Positive digital parenting is the art of delicately balancing the use of technology in your family’s life to enhance, rather than consume, your child’s learning and experiences. However, achieving this balance is no easy feat and requires skill, patience, and practice to perfect.
It’s a common worry among parents about how much time their child spends on screens. It can be hard to figure out how much is too much. One way to determine if your child’s screen time is appropriate is to consider their general health and wellness. Are they getting enough sleep and exercise? Are they succeeding in school? Are they spending quality time with loved ones? Do they enjoy non-screen hobbies, like playing music or sports?
If the answer to all of these questions is yes, then screen time is probably not an issue. However, if screen time is preventing your child from doing these things, then it may be time to limit their use of technology.
Since each child has their unique needs, abilities, and preferences, there isn’t a universal solution for regulating their use of electronic devices. Their age, developmental stage, personality, school activities, sleep schedule, and your values are all essential things to consider when setting boundaries for screen time. When it comes to screen time, quality is more important than quantity. The goal is to ensure that the time your child spends on screens is meaningful and beneficial to their growth and development.
Don’t let the overwhelming world of screen time management stress you out. If you’re unsure where to begin, we’re here to help. We have compiled some practical recommendations and sample routines to assist you in creating a healthy balance between your child’s screen time and other important activities.
Guidelines for daily screen time based on age
Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and World Health Organization (WHO) have issued recommendations regarding the daily duration of screen time suitable for children of various ages.
According to WHO, infants less than 1-year-old should have no screen time. For children aged 1-2 years, WHO advises for children to avoid screen time entirely, except for video calls with loved ones and acquaintances. For children aged 3-4 years, WHO suggests no more than 1 hour of sedentary screen time per day. For children aged 5 years and older, WHO does not specify a time limit but recommends that they engage in physical activity and limit sedentary screen time.
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has some guidelines for children and screen time. Children under 18 months old should not watch screens except for video calls with family. For children aged 18 to 24 months, screen time should be limited to educational shows watched with a parent or caregiver. For those children from 2 to 5 years, the AAP suggests that high-quality screen time should be limited to a maximum of one hour per day. It advises parents to consistently regulate and restrict the amount of time that children aged six and above spend using electronic media devices, and a focus on balancing screen time with physical activity, sleep, and other healthy behaviors.
Risks of screen time for children
While screen time can offer benefits like educational opportunities and social connections, it also comes with several risks. Here are some of the risks that come with screen time:
Sedentary behavior: Watching too much TV or playing video games for extended periods of time can make one very inactive and cause you to gain too much weight, increasing the likelihood of health problems like obesity.
Sleep problems: The blue light that comes from electronic screens like phones and tablets can mess up one’s natural sleep pattern, making it more challenging to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Poor posture: Sitting in front of screens for extended periods can cause poor posture, which can lead to neck and back pain.
Vision problems: Staring at screens for long periods can cause eye strain, dry eyes, and other vision problems.
Behavioral problems: Excessive screen time can interfere with children’s development, leading to attention problems, impulsivity, and difficulties with self-regulation.
Cyberbullying: Children and teens who spend time online are at risk of cyberbullying, which can cause psychological distress and have long-lasting effects on mental health.
Exposure to inappropriate content: Children who spend time online are at risk of exposure to inappropriate content, such as violent or sexual material, which can have negative effects on their psychological and emotional well-being.
Ways and means to manage screen time with children
Managing screen time with children can be challenging, but there are some simple strategies that parents can use to help their children develop healthy screen habits.
Here are some tips:
Set rules: Create clear rules about when screens are allowed and how long your child can use them. Stick to these rules consistently and fairly.
Be a good role model: Show your child healthy screen habits by taking breaks, engaging in other activities, and not being on screens all the time.
Use parental controls: Many devices and apps have tools to help parents limit access to inappropriate content or set time limits.
Encourage physical activity: Encourage your child to be active by playing sports or going outside. Encourage breaks during long screen time sessions.
Monitor content: Check what your child is viewing and playing online to make sure it’s appropriate for their age. Talk to them about anything that concerns you.
Co-view content: Watch and play games with your child and discuss what they are watching. This helps build critical thinking skills.
Create tech-free zones: Set aside areas where screens are not allowed, such as the dinner table or bedrooms. This helps your child learn to unplug and engage in other activities. This can help your child learn to unplug and engage in other activities.