With summer approaching and children out of school, they may likely have more access to screen time. As well all know, technology such as tablets, smartphones, computers, smart TVs and video game systems are becoming more advanced.
Advancements in these technologies include ease of use for just about everyone, including kids. It can be tempting for busy parents to throw a screen in front of their children to keep them engaged while other matters are attended to, but with that temptation comes worry. “Is my child’s brain becoming addicted to the screen?”, “Is the tablet inhibiting their learning?”, “Are they too young to be on a smartphone?”, “Are those video games appropriate?”. Patrick Coleman of Fatherly.com argues that screens can be good or bad for kids, but what matters is how parents manage the time their kids spend with them. Below will discuss five suggestions for parental management of children and their screen time that will help parents ensure technology is being used in a conscientious way.
Recommendation 1: Make sure apps labeled as educational are age-appropriate.
There are endless apps out there labeled as “Educational”, but not all are created equal. Developers often create “Educational” apps to ease parents’ worries that their children aren’t consuming mindless games, but in reality, they may be doing very little learning while interacting with the app. Take the time to check out the app your child is playing to make sure it’s appropriate and beneficial for them, even if it has that “Educational” label.
Recommendation 2: Wait until school age to introduce technology into your child’s life.
Some parents may be drawn to the idea of introducing technology to their children at an early age to build skills that will benefit them in an increasingly technology-driven future. However, studies have shown that introducing technology too early can have detrimental effects on kids interpersonal skills. Coleman argues that for a kid’s brain to be optimally wired for interpersonal skills, they need plenty of exposure to real social situations with real people before the age of 6, and devices can get in the way of that. Other studies have shown that early exposure to screens can also have adverse effects on a child’s dexterous skills, such as holding a pencil.
Recommendation 3: Have a thoughtful approach to your child’s screen time.
Research is suggesting that screen time is much more positive when parents are a companion in helping their kids understand and interact with the content. “A Georgetown study found that kids learned better on a puzzle app when they were coached by an adult than when they followed an on-screen tutorial. Help from adults was a “social scaffolding” that helped kids learn.” Coleman also points out that shows such as Sesame Street and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood have shown to have helpful effects on children’s academic and emotional intelligence, so think about what you’re putting on when your child is in front of the TV.
Recommendation 4: Withhold your judgement on all video games being bad.
“Studies have shown that fast-paced video games can increase reading speed in dyslexic children, that strategy-based games promote problem-solving skills, and that world-building games like Minecraft promote creativity.” As mentioned above, screen time can be especially beneficial when there’s parental involvement. The problem of antisocial behavior connected to gaming likely appears when parents allow kids to go into their virtual worlds alone and without guidance.
Recommendation 5: Promote consumption of screen time in moderation.
When screen-fed media is overconsumed by kids, they can fall into a habit of inactivity. The blue light that screens emit can also interfere with sleep patterns. It is recommended to set time limits for kids, including a cutoff for screens at least an hour before bed.
Source:
Coleman, P. (2019, March 21). The 4 most damaging myths about kids, screen time, and technology. Fatherly.https://www.fatherly.com/gear/worry-about-screen-time-tech-exposure-kids