How Much Time Should Kids Spend on Electronics?
Why Kids Need to Limit Their Screen Time
There's no denying it. Our world is going mobile. Even our kids are getting into the act, with most of them owning tablets, smartphones, and laptops. Often, they are more technologically savvy than we are.
Even very young children use high-tech devices. Over three quarters of eight-year-old and younger children can access mobile devices. Seventeen percent of children who have these devices use them every day-sometimes for as long as two hours.
Granted, proficiency in technology will be a key component in these kids' future success in the job market. Yet enough is enough. Learning social skills is also an important factor in success. Kids who limit social interaction in order to play online games may find that themselves lacking in social skills later in life. Human interaction-there's just no substitute for it in a child's formative years.
How much screen time is too much?
The American Academy of Pediatrics warns parents to limit their children's screen time to a maximum of two hours per day. That's just for kids aged three to 18.
Parents should not allow children younger than three to play with any electronic devices. In those years, social interactions with parents, siblings, and other children, as well as free play, are of key importance.
If your children spend too much time in front of a screen, they are at risk for behavioral issues, sleep disorders, obesity, and social problems. Learning to communicate face to face helps kids develop better communication skills. Children who do most of their chat online may end up becoming awkward when it comes to real-life social skills.
OK. I'm convinced. Now, how do I set limits on my kids' screen time?
First of all, don't cut electronics use out completely. Negative language or putdowns won't work, either. Rather, let your kids know that they need to know how to use these devices. Teach them to use these devices wisely. Model good choices yourself-and speak frankly to them about why you chose to visit Aunt Sally in person rather than messaging her on social media. Set guidelines for your children on the wise use of screen time.
Your guidelines should include limits on the total screen time your kids are allowed to have every day. They also should include what games and which platforms are appropriate. Never tolerate online bullying. Even legitimate disagreements are better communicated in person than through text messages or social media rants.
Finally, set a good example. You may not be able to limit your own screen time to two hours a day, but you can choose to communicate more in person. Don't text during dinner. In fact, it may be best to put away your devices during family time.
That way, you won't be tempted to glance at the screen when you should be making eye contact with your kids and other family members. Modeling good behavior yourself is the best way to help your kids learn.
There's no denying it. Our world is going mobile. Even our kids are getting into the act, with most of them owning tablets, smartphones, and laptops. Often, they are more technologically savvy than we are.
Even very young children use high-tech devices. Over three quarters of eight-year-old and younger children can access mobile devices. Seventeen percent of children who have these devices use them every day-sometimes for as long as two hours.
Granted, proficiency in technology will be a key component in these kids' future success in the job market. Yet enough is enough. Learning social skills is also an important factor in success. Kids who limit social interaction in order to play online games may find that themselves lacking in social skills later in life. Human interaction-there's just no substitute for it in a child's formative years.
How much screen time is too much?
The American Academy of Pediatrics warns parents to limit their children's screen time to a maximum of two hours per day. That's just for kids aged three to 18.
Parents should not allow children younger than three to play with any electronic devices. In those years, social interactions with parents, siblings, and other children, as well as free play, are of key importance.
If your children spend too much time in front of a screen, they are at risk for behavioral issues, sleep disorders, obesity, and social problems. Learning to communicate face to face helps kids develop better communication skills. Children who do most of their chat online may end up becoming awkward when it comes to real-life social skills.
OK. I'm convinced. Now, how do I set limits on my kids' screen time?
First of all, don't cut electronics use out completely. Negative language or putdowns won't work, either. Rather, let your kids know that they need to know how to use these devices. Teach them to use these devices wisely. Model good choices yourself-and speak frankly to them about why you chose to visit Aunt Sally in person rather than messaging her on social media. Set guidelines for your children on the wise use of screen time.
Your guidelines should include limits on the total screen time your kids are allowed to have every day. They also should include what games and which platforms are appropriate. Never tolerate online bullying. Even legitimate disagreements are better communicated in person than through text messages or social media rants.
Finally, set a good example. You may not be able to limit your own screen time to two hours a day, but you can choose to communicate more in person. Don't text during dinner. In fact, it may be best to put away your devices during family time.
That way, you won't be tempted to glance at the screen when you should be making eye contact with your kids and other family members. Modeling good behavior yourself is the best way to help your kids learn.
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