Screen time is a hot topic in the world of early childhood development. A study done in 2016 by the American Academy of Pediatrics concluded that the benefits of media is limited for children under two years of age and that there is evidence to support limiting media usage to one hour per day for children aged 2 to 5. Screen time is discouraged for children younger than 18 months other than video chatting. They also recommend no screen time during meals and one hour before bedtime..... Now doesn't that sound great! And very unrealistic in today's media driven society.
So how can you as a parent make sure that your child's time with the screen is actually beneficial and limit the potential harms that can come from the screen?
Find quality content:
+ Live people talking to the child are the best option if the parent is not actively engaging in the watching with the child. Suggestions: Blue's Clue, Miss Rachel, Blippi
+ Avoid repetitive cartoons such as CoCoMelon as they are repetitive and use bright lights and colors to keep the child's attention instead of quality content.
+ Games should require thought and engagement not just swiping. Games like fireworks, bubble popping, or fruit ninja are just repetitive actions not thought provoking. Suggestions: Khan Academy, ABC Mouse, Busy Shapes (for fine motor)
+Adult content is a big no! Small children should not be playing or watching violent video games or videos. This is not just an issue of content, but the rapid flashing of gunfire and sound of explosions is overstimulating for them and harmful to development. Watch the adult stuff when the kids go to bed.
The best thing for your child is engaging play that encourages engagement with the world around them. Playing in nature, building and creating and exploring new things. Keep is fresh and fun!
Elise Bagley MEd BCBA LBA
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