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Screentime : How much is too much? By Meghan McNaughton, Naturopathic Medical Graduate

June 27, 2017 Leave a Comment

TABLETS AND SMARTPHONES AND TVS; OH MY!

kids doing homework

It can be tempting to keep kids entertained with electronics, especially when they are home

from school for the summer. Many parents find media devices very useful when dealing with

behavioural challenges in public settings or when they simply need a bit of quiet time. There

are a many educational games and shows available these days, ranging from basic

dexterity and recognition skills for toddlers to complex problem-solving programs for older

children. While technology is inevitably a large part of our modern world, the increase in

screen usage over the last couple decades has been associated with an increase in

childhood obesity, behavioural problems, reduced creative play, and a significant

change in social skills among today’s youth. Since technology is an important and often

very useful tool, learning about the appropriate usage for children and setting limits may be

the best way to ensure healthy physical, mental, and social development.

 

Here are the Canadian screentime usage guidelines:

  • Under 2 years old – zero screen time

  • 2-5 years old – no more than 1 hour daily, with an emphasis on high-quality

    programming

  • 6 years and up – maximum of 2 hours daily

 

These differ from the new US guidelines, which allow for video-chatting under 18 months

and high-quality programming from 18-24 months when viewed with parents.

Considering that screens are everywhere you go these days; the usage guidelines may be

unrealistic for most families to follow. Here are some general recommendations for putting

these guidelines into practice:

  • Set limits and model good media device usage from infancy. Children learn from

    what they observe around them.

  • Watch programming with children (especially those under 5) to monitor what

    they are viewing, discuss what is happening, and make it a social event (by doing

    it together).

  • Have media-free times (such as dinner or in the car) and media-free

    zones (including bedrooms, mainly for monitoring and to prevent it from

    disrupting sleep).

  • Encourage other activities first, such as creative play with toys or outdoor fun.

  • Play music instead of movies/shows for enjoyment.

 

As with most good things in life, moderation is key. If screens are a common part of your

family’s daily routine, consider helping your children engage in other activities throughout

the summer and make media usage a social activity as a family. Even a reduction in the

amount of time spent using devices goes a long a way to improving mental and physical

health!

Mental Health

Health Over All Team

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