Regarding allowable screen time for toddlers and big kids, The American Academy of Pediatrics has updated its guidelines. According to that, it’s perfect for parents to let little ones video, but there must be some limits to it.
AAP has taken into account digital media’s role in today’s technology-driven world while updating its recommendations for children’s screen time. AAP had been strict with its recommendation, even mentioning that children below 2 years old should not get access to any screen time whatsoever. However, the point to be noted as of now is that digital media has positive effects, but it is mandatory that families pay attention to maintaining a healthy media diet. Only parents and caregivers can guide their children on the use of digital media.
Jenny Radesky, MD, FAAP, lead author of the policy statement “Media and Young Minds,” which focused on infants, toddlers, and preschool children, even quoted, “Families should proactively think about their children’s media use and talk with children about it because too much media use can mean that children don’t have enough time during the day to play, study, talk, or sleep.”
Dr. Radesky even continued that the most important thing to follow is that parents should be their children’s ‘media mentors,’ teaching them to use media as a tool to create, connect, and learn.”
New recommendations have also mentioned that children below 18 months should avoid screens altogether, except for use while video-chatting. Children between 18 and 24 months who are a little older can depend on screens but with the condition that parents choose high-quality programming.
AAP has utilized Sesame Street as an example. In this regard, age-appropriate educational children’s shows must find use as a safe bet. What’s mandatory to note here is that Parents should co-watch with their toddlers as well.
Kids 2 to 5 years old should get access to the screen at a maximum of 1 hour a day. But it should include high-quality programs with parents co-watching as a way to ensure the kids understand what they’re seeing. Also, parents must see to it that their kids apply the knowledge gained from the shows to the real world.
The AAP has created an online tool to complement the policy, focused on helping families create a personalized “Family Media Use Plan.” The motive of this plan is to set screen time limits for children 6 years old and above. In this regard, it’s, it’s important that the limits should include the total time the child has been using the media and the type of media. Besides, the AAP stresses keeping the limits and rules consistent. In addition to all of this, there is tremendous importance of follow-through.
Megan Moreno, MD, MSEd, MPH, FAAP, lead author of the policy statement “Media Use in School-Aged Children and Adolescents”, has even mentioned that it’s important for parents to set expectations and boundaries ensuring that the children’s media experience is a positive one. Mindful use of media within a family is mandatory for everyone.
Screen-free area usage
Families should adopt appropriate strategies to designate screen-free areas in the house, including places like bedrooms. In addition, there must be screen-free times. Regardless, it’s mandatory to see to it that a child’s screen time should not displace or even replace hands-on exploration, physical activity, and face-to-face social interaction. Once these activities get displaced or replaced by screen time, matters start to get problematic. At every cost, it’s important to see to it that Screen time shouldn’t harm the amount and quality of sleep as well.
In situations where you are doubtful about how much time the child is spending on the screen, it’s advisable to consider Dr. Radesky’s opinion regarding media usage as a tool for your child to create, connect, and learn. It should also serve as a medium for tired parents to take a little break.
