There are screens everywhere you turn in today’s technology-driven world – including at your child’s fingertips. But while screen time can come with some benefits, offering both education and entertainment, it can also lead to mental and physical health concerns.
You must manage set healthy limits and find the right balance for your child. Talking to your pediatrician can help.
This article explores the importance of managing screen time as well as how to set healthy limits in your home.
What is a Healthy Screen Time Limit?
As a general rule of thumb, many believe that kids two years of age and under should have minimal screen time, if any at all. When they do, it should be limited to high-quality, educational content and watched alongside a parent or caregiver.
One hour per day is acceptable for kids 2 to 12 years of age while two hours is typically acceptable for teens and adults.
It can be tough to know just how much screen time is too much as there are so many factors involved. While the above are some guidelines for time restrictions, there is a delicate balance between what is beneficial and what is harmful. In other words, setting rigid time limits may not be the only way to approach screen time.
Screen Time: Quality vs. Quantity
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, evidence shows that giving a set time limit that applies to all kids and teens is not effective as each person uses it differently. Rather, the focus should be on the quality of the interaction, not just the quantity.
Teaching kids to use their screen time, including social media, in a way that will boost their social, emotional, and cognitive development is crucial. The same goes for keeping the lines of communication open between parent and child. Doing this will lead to a greater sense of well-being – without strictly focusing on time limits.
Is your child no longer interacting socially with friends?
Is your child not interested in engaging with the family?
Does your child refuse to spend time outdoors or in any physical activity?
Is your child having sleep difficulties?
Have you noticed mood changes?
If so, perhaps there is a lack of balance in the quality vs. quantity of their screen time. Be vigilant and make changes when necessary.
Encourage Healthy, Mindful Screen Use
Ready to create healthy boundaries around screen time for your kids and teens? Here are a few things you can do.
Engage in other activities. When you find there is a lack of balance, help your child find the motivation to walk away from the screen and do something else for a while. Suggest other activities. Don’t allow them to associate entertainment solely with screens.
Be compassionate. Let your child know that you understand they enjoy screen time and that it offers them a break. Encourage them to use it when needed, but in a healthy, mindful way.
Lead by example. Kids of all ages watch their parents and tend to model their behavior. If you are always in front of a screen, your kid is likely to be too. Pay attention to your behavior.
Remember, as a parent, screen time limits are at your discretion. Take these guidelines into consideration as you create a system of boundaries that works well for your kids and teens.
Advocare Haddon Pediatric Group is a highly experienced team of pediatricians serving patients from birth through college. They have been an established leader in pediatrics for decades in the Haddon Heights and Mullica Hill areas of New Jersey.