Making a Family Media Use Plan

​As I was looking for the shortest line at the grocery store, I noticed a toddler captivated by the screen of a smart phone while her mom waited in line. Did you know this very scene is a hot topic? Screen time is discussed and debated in households across the county. Parents grapple with questions of "How much screen time is too much?" and "Will screen time impact my child’s development."

American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for digital media use

• Avoid digital media for toddlers younger than 18 to 24 months other than video chatting.
• For children 18 to 24 months, watch digital media with them because they learn from watching and talking with you.
• Limit screen use for preschool children, ages 2 to 5, to just 1 hour a day of high-quality programing.

A couple of key findings stand out from the multitude of research related to screen time and children. First, young children under the age of two do not learn as well from screens versus face-to-face interactions. Another finding validates co-viewing and encourages finding a balance of screen time and “offline” activities. With recent unprecedented events, it is important to consider that guidelines are not always possible.

Setting screen time rules for your kids

Parents have the responsibility to provide guidance, structure and rules for their child and the use of technology. This includes teaching healthy skills and habits. You'll need to revisit the use of technology as your child grows. Focus on how to enhance screen time and make it meaningful. Here are some tips:

• Choose high-quality programming (is it educational and is it interactive?)
• Balance screen time with non-screen activities
• Place televisions, computers & technology in a shared area of your home
• Make a media plan that includes when, where and how media will be used in your family
• Encourage non-screen creativity (telling stories and drawing) and imaginary play
• Be selective of the content your child views
• Be a role model of how you want your child to use media / technology
• Observe how technology affects your child
• Watch and participate alongside your child
• Set technology-free times and spaces
• Schedule non-screen play dates
• Research games and apps, and check the age rating of digital content