Screens and technology: used many ways, every single day and hard to put away. Yet it’s possible, and for kids, it’s a necessity.
Digital media affects how children feel, learn, think and behave. Yet the fact remains: you’re a parent and the most important influence in your child’s life. Helping children develop healthy habits early sets them up for long-term success.
Your child will grow up in a world which heavily relies on technology. Here’s how you can prepare them and at the same time, offer them alternatives that are in real life.
When Kids Should See Screens and When They Should Not
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is recommended that children under the age of 18 months have NO screen time. For children ages 2-5 years it is recommended to have no more than one hour per day. Screen time or digital use should evolve as your children grow; parents can encourage healthy habits and limit screens.
While e-learning has become a big part of our children’s lives, it should remain just that: focused on learning.
Tips to help you manage the use of screens/digital media at home include:
- Create tech-free zones: Charge devices outside the bedroom (reducing the temptation to use them when children should be sleeping) dinner table and play areas.
- Set limits and encourage playtime: make it a priority to have unplugged time each day. Turn off all screens during mealtimes and outings.
- Do your homework and know the apps: It might look child friendly, but is it? Resources like commonsensemedia.org offer reviews about age-appropriate apps.
- Family discussion: Talk to your child about what they are seeing. If you’re watching something together, it can be a chance to point out good behavior as well as bad behavior or poor choices.
Any parent concerned about excessive screentime should talk to a medical provider.
Families Who Play Together Learn Together
When everyone is fully engaged in play it is fun for the whole family. Replace the time you spend plugged in with family activities that are unplugged. Young children need hands-on play with real objects and benefit most from their interactions with people through play and conversations.
Consider the ways in which various screens impact your family. Does it connect you or disconnect?
Connecting activity choices for family time may include:
- Sports, music, art or hobbies that do not involve screens.
- Go to the park or school playground, walk through the neighborhood.
- Try an “I Spy” hunt either inside or outside the house, create a scavenger hunt.
- Play group games: hide and seek or age appropriate board games.
- Kitchen fun: Bake, chop or mix. Make an entire meal or just a snack together.
- Visit the local library: more than just books! There are also activities available at your local library.
- Family exercise: hike, bike, hopscotch, follow the leader, create your own Olympics.
Screens are here to stay. Positive and healthy screen use is possible with guidance and consistency. Children benefit most from their interactions with people, taking part in a one-on-one or family activity is time well spent away from screens and building lasting memories with your child.
Learn more about Avera’s family life education resources.
By Twila Perkinson, Certified Child Life Specialist and Family Life Educator at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center.
