When screen time became such a major part of our daily lives, it was only a matter of time before people began to question the pros and cons of how much technology is okay for children to use, right? Well, today we have some very good news for you. The American Academy of Pediatrics has finally updated its guidelines regarding children, digital media and their recommended limits on screen time.
Additionally, there is a serious technology issue in schools. Children use computers and tablets to access the internet and learn at school but may be spending so much time online or on their devices that they are missing out on opportunities to play outside and interact with each other.
Key Findings About Teens and Their Relationship with Screens
- Children under age 2 don’t learn from screens as well as they do from live interactions.
- Co-viewing media with parents can protect young kids against many downsides of screen time.
- Television viewing time is correlated with obesity in youth.
- Meeting sleep, screen time and physical activity guidelines is associated with the best mental health outcomes in teens, but few adolescents meet all three.
- Adolescence is a time of rapid physical and mental development. Biologically it's the equivalent of being "on fire." The brain is growing twice as fast as normal, reaching 80% at age 16 or so. Teens are full of energy and naturally seek places to burn it off, particularly if they feel bored.
How Do Screens Affect Our Mental and Physical Health?
Phones present an ultimatum: “Go out and be social!,” or “Stay in and get on FaceTime!” While it is tempting to do one or the other – there are some definite drawbacks when it comes down to nutrition - so we’re going to have to break this down into two parts.
As someone who is simultaneously living in two vastly different environments, I feel like my phone gives me a great way to bridge the gap between them. I usually spend about 3 hours a week on my phone, and most of that time is dedicated to keeping in touch with friends back home.
When we lived in Haiti, FaceTime was our primary method of communicating with one another because both my sister and I were at different universities. In addition to obviously talking, FaceTime allowed us to see each other and theoretically feel close even though we couldn't physically be with each other on an everyday basis due to distance.
How Do Screens Affect People at Various Ages?
Babies, Toddlers, Preschoolers and Screens
Most experts agree that when it comes to very young children having access to screens is not a good thing and yet every day we have instances where parents buy or rent baby videos or DVDs because they think this will help their child learn faster and better.
Unfortunately, all the evidence is against this assumption as shown in a review done by developmental psychologists who found out that media for babies and toddlers does not teach any more than talking to your kids or showing them things around the house.
What it does affect negatively, though, is you taking the time and patience required to stimulate your baby's mind with things they can see, hear and touch like handling toys.
Who Is Supervising Adults and Their Screen Time?
"Sometimes it can be good for adults to keep an eye on how much time kids spend on their phones. On the other hand, who is going to watch over the adults? What I've learned while growing up with technology is that just as many adults as kids are glued to their screens.
Often times it's difficult to not pick up our phones when we see so many others (even those older and more mature) doing the same. Perhaps we ought to accept technology's role in our lives rather than struggle against it. It can help us if we learn to use it responsibly."
What Makes the New Screen Time Guidelines Different?
Parents are allowed to sacrifice some alone time to allow their kids a certain amount of screen time but the AAP doesn't specify how long a child should use digital devices before bed.
Media has both pros and cons
Technology can be a fantastic learning tool, but it’s important to remember it can also portray far too much media that is damaging to one’s psyche. Take steps with your child to make sure usage is a positive experience.
Healthy role modeling is essential
Children are impressionable. They will mimic what they see around them, so it’s crucial to be a good role model to them. Try reading books with them, engaging in physical activity with them, and spending time outdoors with them. Set healthy limits on your own media use.
Kids need rules about technology
Establish rules about the websites your child visits, the games they play, and the movies they watch. Don't allow them access to social media until they are mature enough to handle it.
Engage with your child’s technology
Take an interest in your child’s entertainment. You can learn about technology and what is popular - then take steps to be a part of it! Try different things with games and electronics, letting your child discover how much you can do with these things.
Screen Time for Teenagers: What Do YOU Think About It?
I am currently reading a great article on teen screen time by The Atlantic, and after careful thought I think the most important point is to assess each individual teenager on their own. I think it's ridiculous how one set amount of screen time can be applied so quickly to all teenagers as if they were made all alike.
The author states that every kid should have their tech taken away for a day or two after devouring their weekly screen limit, but that seems like such an arbitrary thing! It's kind of silly to claim that playing Fortnight with my friends all weekend will give me no life skills, while studying in school all week might - even though the total time spent studying neither has any relation to the total amount I'm around my parents.
Final Verdict: Teenagers and Screen Time
Finally, parents should share screen time with their kids. Shared media and screen time allow children to express themselves around certain issues they are experiencing in society and open up communication lines between parents and children.