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Children are growing up with electronic screens including smartphones, video games, tablets, TVs, and other electronic devises. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), kids spend more time using electronic devices than they do on any other activity with an average of 7 hours a day. Spending too much time on screens has been linked to not getting enough sleep, delays in development, poor grades, and a greater risk for obesity.
Therefore, parents are encouraged to set limits for their kids’ screen time as this can have a positive effect on kids’ physical, social, and behavioral well-being:
- Babies under 2 years of age: no screen time
- Kids ages 2 and up: no more than one or two hours a day
Tips for parents to limit kids’ screen time:
- Keep TVs and other electronic devices in the shared spaces at home, rather than in their rooms.
- Always share electronic devices rather than handing your kids their own tablets, electronic games, etc.
- Set clear limits for spending time on screen and stick to it.
- Find alternatives to screen time by encouraging your kids to practice physical activity.
- Help your child find other fun options while at home such as playing board games, reading a book, painting, etc.
- Be a role model to your child when it comes to using electronic devices, TVs, etc.
- Set tech-free time during meals, bedtime, etc.