By: Gabriella Pierce, MD
Supporting Children in a Digital World
Children are spending increased time using screens, such as phones and tablets, making the content they are viewing a large part of their exposure to the world. Parents have both an immense challenge and great opportunity to shape how their children learn to use technology and ensure their relationship with media is healthy.
Researchers are working to understand the effects of media exposure on children’s brain development. Studies have shown that increased screen time is related to decreased abilities in memory, language, and social skills as well as increased behavior problems at school and home.
The Hidden Risks of Too Much Screen Time
Teens with more social media exposure have higher rates of depression and anxiety. In addition, increased screen
time is linked to both decreased quality of sleep and increased risk of childhood obesity, which is a risk factor for heart disease and diabetes.
Teach Children Healthy Use of Technology at Home:
Model Healthy Electronic Use
Children take lessons from watching caregiver’s use of technology. Avoid leaving the TV on as “background noise,” being distracted by phones during playtime, or “binging” TV.
Use Parental Controls & Review Media Content
Websites such as CommonSenseMedia.org publish reviews of movies, video games, and social media apps to help parents determine if it is appropriate for their child’s age. Many phone and tablet apps are available to help parents block explicit content as well as monitor total screen time.
Explain Why Limiting Screen Time is Important
Children are more likely to break rules or push boundaries if they don’t understand why the limits exist. Speak with them about the negative health effects of screen use and explain why certain rules have been chosen in the home to help their understanding.
Create Screen-free Zones
Set the expectation that certain areas of the house, such as the dinner table or the bedroom, are not locations where screen use is allowed so to better monitor their usage and ensure healthy sleeping and eating habits.
Set Aside Times to Unplug
Collaborate with your child about a plan on when screen use is appropriate and keep to those boundaries. Discuss the expectation that homework and meal times should be undistracted by screens.
Discuss Internet Safety
Cyberbullying and predatory online behavior is a serious issue and teaching children what to watch for as they develop more independence on the internet is critical. They should never video or message chat with anyone they do not personally know or share information about their name, age or address. Keeping an open dialogue with children about internet safety can encourage them to speak up if something happens online that they feel uncomfortable with.
Encourage & Plan Other Activities
Children are more likely to break rules or push boundaries if they don’t understand why the limits exist. Speak with them about the negative health effects of screen use and explain why certain rules have been chosen in the home to help their understanding.
Make Screen Time a Privilege, Not a Right
Reminding children that screen use is a privilege they get to enjoy if they are maintaining their other responsibilities will help them with learning how to prioritize tasks.