Navigating screen time in the digital age

Did you know that children eight to 18 years old are averaging more than a whopping seven hours a day watching or using screens according to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry?

Before you begin to worry, consider that different types of screens often mean different types of interaction. For example, television screens are simply viewed, while phone screens often mean social media use. And screen time isn’t automatically bad; apps can be a source of learning and connection.

So how much screen time is too much?

Managing kids’ use of phones, tablets, computers, gaming consoles and television represents a minefield for parents, so we spoke to family medicine expert Rebecca Crimmins, Nurse Practitioner at Beacon Medical Group WaNee, for perspective and guidance.

Finding balance
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids spend less than two hours a day in front of screens, Rebecca says. The bigger issue is how it’s affecting them. She suggests parents think about balance and whether screen time is interfering with your child’s ability to meet their other needs.

“Screens are a part of our everyday life now, so it’s important to find that balance that works for the child and doesn’t have negative outcomes,” says Rebecca. “We do not want screen time to interfere with sleep, face-to-face time, physical activity, homework and rest.”

She advises parents to turn off devices during family meals and outings. In addition, parents should discourage kids from using screens as a way to soothe stress. Researchers have found that children who were calmed by devices when three to five years old had more emotional reactivity and less ability to regulate their emotions, suggesting that children are less likely to learn how to manage their emotions if devices are used for that purpose.

Content matters
Rebecca also says that it absolutely matters what kind of content your child is viewing. Parents should work toward screen usage that supports their child’s healthy development and well-being.

“Always encourage educational screen time, whether that be educational videos, documentaries, or games that help turn on our brains,” she says.

It’s key for parents to be aware of what their kids are watching. Unsupervised, a child could easily be led from an educational video to one with inaccurate or misleading information, advertising aimed at kids, or depictions of inappropriate topics like substance use or self-harm.

Social media should be allowed, but in moderation. “It is hard to avoid, because it does provide adolescents with a sense of connection,” says Rebecca. “But parental restrictions and monitoring should always be in place.”

When it comes to video games, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests creative ways of managing their use, such as:

• Having older children give parents a “sales pitch” about a new game they’d like to have
• Restricting gaming activities to a common family area
• Encouraging kids to choose games they can play with friends rather than alone.

Managing screen time
A simple tool like a timer can be helpful for limiting screen time — or simply helping kids understand how easily they can lose track of time while playing.

Perhaps the most effective tool for parents is to manage their own use of screens. “Kids learn by seeing. If kids see the parent sit and scroll, naturally they are going to want to do the same thing,” explains Rebecca. “So provide a good role model for them by staying off the screens yourself.”

Ultimately, appropriate screen time depends on a child’s age, personality, health and stage of development. Your child’s pediatrician can help you create healthy boundaries around screen time within the context of your child’s overall development and well-being.

Here for you
Looking for a primary care provider for your family? Many Beacon providers are accepting new patients — and online scheduling is easy and convenient. Schedule an appointment today.