Screen time and children
Segment 1: The Impact of Prolonged Screen Time - Connor is the expert
Parents may not always know what their children are viewing, or how much time they are spending with screens. Children may be exposed to:
Violence and risk-taking behaviors
Videos of stunts or challenges that may inspire unsafe behavior
Chive tv is my favorite thing to watch at sports bar
Sexual content
Negative stereotypes
Substance use
Cyberbullies and predators
Advertising aimed at your child
Misleading or inaccurate information
Too much screen time may lead to:
Sleep problems
Johnny’s kids are hard to put down.
Connor stopped watching youtube with the kids and they are easier to put down.
Lower grades in school
Reading fewer books
Less time with family and friends
Not enough outdoor or physical activity
Weight problems
Mood problems
We have to take the tablets away periodically.
Poor self-image and body image issues
Fear of missing out
Less time learning other ways to relax and have fun
I hate being told that my kids are bored so they want to play on their tablets….
I almost hated to include this list because I don't want to sound like fear mongers. Sure they are things that could happen, but unless the screen time is out of control I think you will be able to manage
Discuss the findings from the News-Medical article on the sustained increase in children's screen time after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.
Share statistics on the amount of screen time kids typically consume.
Sources:
Segment 2: The Importance of Setting Screen Time Limits and Content Parameters
Discuss the Mayo Clinic's recommendations on the importance of setting screen time limits.
The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages media use, except for video chatting, by children younger than 18 months. If you introduce digital media to children ages 18 to 24 months, make sure it's high quality and avoid solo media use. For children ages 2 to 5, limit screen time to one hour a day of high-quality programming.
“A University of Cambridge study found that the brainwaves of adults and babies synchronize when they hold eye contact. Signaling the availability and intention to communicate might synchronize when it is time to speak and when to listen, which would make learning more effective.” - psychology today
Share practical strategies for parents on how to establish these limits and enforce them.
Share amazon tablet limit experience
Sources:
Mayo Clinic - Screen Time and Children: How to Guide Your Child
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-fallible-mind/202012/link-between-screen-exposure-and-autism-symptoms
Segment 3: Finding the Right Balance
Explore Forbes' insights into how to determine the appropriate amount of screen time for kids of different age groups.
Discuss the concept of screen time as a tool rather than a detriment.
Familiarize yourself with programming to make sure it is age-appropriate.
Talk to your child about what they are seeing. Point out good behavior, such as cooperation, friendship, and concern for others. Make connections to meaningful events or places of interest.
Be aware of advertising and how it influences choices.
Encourage your child to learn other activities such as sports, music, art, and hobbies that do not involve screens.
Set a good example with your own safe and healthy screen habits.
Teach children about online privacy and safety.
Actively decide when your child is ready for a personal device.
Encourage using screens in ways that build creativity and connection with family and friends.
Consider your child or teen’s maturity and habits. The right plan for one family may not be a good fit for another.
Sources:
Conclusion:
Screens are here to stay and can offer many positives. It’s never too early to develop a screen-time plan with your family. Let your children share their ideas and concerns. We hope this episode of The Dad Shoes Podcast has shed light on the delicate balance of screen time with your children. It's about finding the right balance and fostering healthy habits. Remember to lead by example and be an active participant in your child's screen time choices.
