Up until a year ago the recommendations of the American Academy of Paediatrics(AAP), was no screen time for a child under 2 years of age, 1 hour daily until 6 and thereafter 2 hours a day. These guidelines were revised and I posted those recommendations earlier in the week.During the Covid pandemic, screens have become our way of learning, our way of connecting with our loved ones, our way to work and our portal to entertainment. With the realities of a digital world, controlling screen time seems near impossible. There are pro’s and cons to screen time, so lets look at a few guidelines regarding this sticky toffee of a subject.
We know that the value of unstructured play on the young developing brain, is priceless. For a little one younger than 2 years old, millions of brain connections and pathways are laid down whilst being exposed to interactions and activities with a caregiver, rather than watching a non-interactive TV program or screen activity. It is important to mention that programs with music, movement and stories can be beneficial, especially if enjoyed together with a caregiver who can explain what they are seeing and apply it in real life. Non-interactive, passive screen time that is used without adult supervision, should be avoided in this age group and should not replace time for free play, reading and problem-solving activities.
Screen time is definitely not all bad…
• Technology is a vital part of learning, of research and gaining access to the wealth of information available online.
• With more and more families living on different continents, some digital tools allow us to support family interactions via video and face time calls.
• Children as young as 18 months can learn new concepts by co-viewing and co-playing with a parent or caregiver. Watching something together turns screen time into family and together time. If you interact whilst they watch or play a game, you can promote lateral thinking skills at the same time. You can ask “ what happens if you should do it this way?” or, “ is there another way to get the same result?” Ask them to explain what they are doing and what the aim of the game is.
There are well studied evidence that too much screen time can lead to physical changes in brain function and structure (proven by PET Scan). Children are unfortunately growingly dependent on their devices for all their entertainment, often replacing face-to-face interactions with text messages and social media. Too much screen time can also lead to insomnia and sleep disturbances, especially in kids under 10 years of age. Behavioural changes, mood swings, anxiety, low self esteem and a higher risk of obesity are also associated with increased screen time.
I can hear you asking; “how exactly am I suppose to do this?”. Unfortunately this is one of those infinitely grey areas where a one-size-fits-all approach just won’t work for every family.
Approach your child’s digital life as you would real life interactions. In both interact regularly, be involved, know their friends and what they do when they are together. In managing their virtual presence, it is more a case of quality than the quantity of time they spend on screens. This is obviously easier with younger children than with our tweens and teens.
Tips to navigate screen time and ensure quantity content.
• Preview games and apps before allowing your young ones to play and participate. It is always better to view and play with them.
• Choose more interactive and engaging options and programs, apps and shows that uses singing, dancing, gestures and repetition of words and concepts. This can be beneficial in the early learning phases.
• Avoid using screen time as a pacifier, babysitter or to stop tantrums.
• Put parental controls in place, and make sure there are firewalls and security options installed on all devices to block and filter unwanted material and content.
• Discuss what you are watching with the little ones and make them aware about advertising and commercials that might not be age appropriate. If you can, eliminate advertising on apps altogether, as the younger ones can not distinguish between factual and advertised materials.
• Refrain from apps and content with a violent nature.
• Encourage other activities such as sports, arts, music and hobbies that do not involve screens. For every 20 minutes spent on a screen, have at least a 10 min break and do something else. Play outside, do star jumps or an obstacle course, draw something that they learnt about whilst watching a program.
• Set a healthy example by limiting your own screen time when you are around your children.
General screen “health” advice
• Establish good channels of communication with your children- especially the teens and tweens. Online relationships and social media have become a big part of adolescent life. Talk and encourage conversation around cyber bullying, sexting and sharing of personal information online. Make them aware that once information is “out there”, it is there for all eternity and for anyone to see; including their grannies, their teachers and their priests and pastors. If they boost something, comment it should be good enough for granny to also see this.
• Even the most mature kid needs guidance and it’s necessary for you to monitor their online presence and behaviour. They are bound to make mistakes… make it a learning opportunity.
• Have tech free zones and times; no phones allowed at the dinner table, or no phones whilst watching a family movie. These types of rules are healthy for all members of the family.
• Set daily screen time limits and curfews. One important rule should be no screen time at least 60 min before bedtime. The blue light of screens suppresses melatonin which is the hormone that sets our sleep rhythms in motion. Screen time before bedtime cancels this rise in Melatonin out.
• There are apps that control how long a phone or device can be used at a time. Consider this if enforcing the cut off times are difficult.
• A good rule is to require phones to be charged outside of the bedroom. Many teens start chatting late at night, into the early hours of the morning, and that can interfere with concentration and participation the next day at school.
Managing screen time can and will be challenging. Like I said, there is not one rule that will serve all families. Design a set of rules that work for your family. By revising those rules as your children grow, you can ensure that it is a safe and quality experience for all.
Take care and stay safe
XOXO Dr Christa