By Jessica Feagin | Intern and UAB Community Health and Human Services Student

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends avoiding screen time for children younger than 18 to 24 months, except for talking with family members. The AAP also recommends limiting screen time for preschool children, ages 2 to 5, to just one hour a day of high-quality programming, such as Sesame Street and other educational shows. Watching educational shows with characters playing and interacting cooperatively can model good social skills (“NewYork-Presbyterian, 2021).

Screen time is the amount of time spent on devices such as tablets, smartphones, computers, and televisions. Too much screen time can be related to obesity, irregular sleep, behavioral problems, impaired academic performance, violence, and less time for play (Christensen & CNP, 2021). Find other activities to do with your children, such as reading, teaching, and playing together. Designating media-free zones such as the bedroom and dining table can be beneficial. Children should not sleep with devices in their bedrooms, including TVs, computers, and smartphones (HealthyChildren.org, n.d.).

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has designed a Family Media Plan to help families make wise media choices. The AAP recommends that families follow the family media plan to consider the health, education, and entertainment needs of the whole family and each child (AAP, n.d.).

As a mother of a three- and five-year-old, and in today’s world, it can be tough to keep toddlers and children away from media devices. Of course, keeping them “preoccupied” with media devices can keep them from crying or from climbing on furniture, but on the other hand, it is vital to understand the risks that are related to increased screen time and should work hard to follow the recommendations provided by The American Academy of Pediatrics. How do you limit screen time with your little ones?

References

Christensen, J., & C.N.P. (2021, May 28). Children and too much screen time. Mayo Clinic Health System. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/children-and-screen-time

Media and children. (n.d.). Home. https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/media-and-children/

What does too much screen time do to kids’ brains? (2021, November 3). NewYork-Presbyterian. https://healthmatters.nyp.org/what-does-too-much-screen-time-do-to-childrens-brains/

Where we stand: Screen time. (n.d.). HealthyChildren.org. https://healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/Where-We-Stand-TV-Viewing-Time.aspx