Kids and Screen Time: HELP for Kids
In today's world, screens are ubiquitous and kids are often introduced to them at an early age. While there are some positive aspects to kids using screens, like being able to communicate with distant relatives and friends, there can be some harmful effects of too much time staring at screens. Stephanie Kimmes, HELPcare Clinic Nurse Practitioner, provides her insight on this issue of kids and screen time:
Ask yourself "How much screen time does my child have?"
It's easy to go about our day and not think about the amount of time that our child is looking at screens like TV tablet, phone, etc.
The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry recommends,
"Until 18 months of age limit screen use to video chatting along with an adult (for example, with a parent who is out of town). Between 18 and 24 months screen time should be limited to watching educational programming with a caregiver. For children 2-5, limit non-educational screen time to about 1 hour per weekday and 3 hours on the weekend days. For ages 6 and older, encourage healthy habits and limit activities that include screens."
Sleep and screen time
It's recommended that children and adults unplug from our screens two hours before bedtime to let our brains rest and get ready for sleep. Sleep is important for a growing and developing child.
School and screen time
There's been an association with excessive screen time and poor grades. In many instances screens are needed to complete school work, but outside of school it is best to limit screens if they are also being used in the classroom. It is good to be aware of the content your child is consuming and endeavor to encourage content that's educational.
Childhood obesity and screen time
There is a rising rate of childhood obesity and increasing amounts of screen time has contributed to that trend. It is important to get kids outside and active. Active play is how kids develop their motor skills that stay with them for their whole life.
What to do instead of screen time
Provide other activities that the kids enjoy. This may take some planning on your part, but get them involved in the process. Choose some activities that you can participate in with them. It's important to get kids outside and active to discourage a sedentary lifestyle and form good lifelong habits of being active.
Just like everything else, screens need to be used in moderation.
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