Technology is a helpful tool for connecting cultures and saving lives. However, too much of a good thing can be harmful. While TV shows help kids learn colors or give parents a much-needed break, research from the American Academy of Pediatrics shows too much screen time is linked to harmful health and developmental concerns.
BestReviews baby and child expert Dr. Aimee Ketchum, a pediatric occupational therapist with 27 years of experience in pediatrics, shared their insights on how to limit screen time for children.
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While screen time is not inherently bad, too much can be problematic. The AAP recommends children under 18 months have no screen time, and those from 18 to 24 months have no screen time besides video chatting with family members.
“Children ages 2 through 5 should have one hour or less of screen time per day of high-quality programming and co-viewing with parents,” Ketchum added. “However, all children should be encouraged to avoid screens and participate in interactive activities as much as possible instead.”
Excessive screen time can lead to adverse issues, including:
Interacting with kids is one of the best ways to entertain them without screen time. Ketchum said interactive activities build social skills, vocabulary, literacy and emotional regulation.
One of Ketchum’s favorite activities for children is arts and crafts because they build motor and visual motor skills. Playing outside is another helpful activity that improves gross motor skills, strength, balance, coordination and contributes to overall health and well-being.
A few other activities include:
A. According to Ketchum, “Young children should be told the boundaries in advance. If children are absolutely never permitted screens until right before dinnertime, they will not expect it in the morning. Parents should always prepare children that screen time is for a limited time only.”
“Parents should say, ‘You can watch one show, then we are having dinner,’ or ‘Ten minutes on the iPad, and when the timer goes off, we are playing outside,’ so there is structure, and the expectations are clear from the beginning,” added Ketchum. “It also helps to have another activity ready to go when screen time is over.”
A. “Everyone struggles with screen time, but the longer we can delay children from being occupied with our phones, the better. Put the phone away and interact with the child,” Ketchum said. “Set a good example by not being on your phone all the time, and refrain from giving babies phones to look at in grocery stores and restaurants. There is so much opportunity for interactions and new learning in these places.”
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Bre Richey writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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