Tech, Tots & Time

Our kids are surrounded by technology and have nearly unlimited access to televisions, music playing devices, and computers, just to name a few.  While such technology has its place and is certainly valuable, parents must give some thoughtful consideration to the amount of time their children spend using it.     

We’ve all seen reports showing the negative effects that too much tv time can have on kids; obesity, poor sleep quality, and even behavioral problems are just a few cited by the American Academy of Pediatrics.   A Mayo Clinic article addressing this issue shares several ways to reduce kids’ screen time:

         Eliminate background TV. If the TV is turned on — even if it's just in the background — it's likely to draw your child's attention. If you're not actively watching a show, turn off the TV.  (This is one I personally need to work on.)

            Keep TVs out of the bedroom. Children who have TVs in their bedrooms watch more TV and videos than children who don't.

            Don't eat in front of the TV. Allowing your child to eat or snack in front of the TV increases his or her screen time. The habit also encourages mindless munching, which can lead to weight gain.

            Talk to your child's caregivers. Encourage other adults in your child's life to limit your child's screen time, too.

            Suggest other activities. Rather than relying on screen time for entertainment, help your child find other things to do. Consider classic activities, such as reading, playing a sport or trying a new board game.

            Set a good example. Be a good role model by limiting your own screen time.

Unplug it. If screen time is becoming a source of tension in your family, unplug the TV for a while. You might designate one day a week a screen-free day.

So what about computers and tablets?  While there hasn’t been as much research in this area as there has been regarding television usage, most experts recommend no more than an hour a day with these devices.  Used responsibly, they can have great benefits for our kids.  PBS.org offers these strategies for maximizing the positives:

            Ask lots of questions as your child uses a computer or handheld device. Though it's tempting to walk away when your child is engrossed in an activity, make time to ask him about the games and activities he’s undertaking. Get him in the habit of thinking about what’s on the screen by asking questions like these: How do you play this game? What happens when you move there? Which character is talking?

              Don't let screen time substitute for physical activity.
 Turn off the computer as well as your own cell phone regularly and get your child playing outdoors, making arts and crafts, looking at books, singing songs, dancing to music, building forts, making up stories or exploring.

       

            Introduce your child to software and websites that fan his creativity. Drawing pictures, coming up with stories and making rhymes are ways for your child to convey what he may not be able to express through everyday conversation. Your child may want to share what he's made or keep it to himself.  Either response is okay.

            Get your child playing digital games alongside others.
 Look for games and apps that have "explore" settings, which allow your child to play with others rather than compete against them.  Encourage your child to play with siblings and friends; discourage him from using video games as a fallback activity when no one else is around.  Allow yourself to join in, getting to know each game firsthand.

            Find opportunities for your child to make decisions and try something new.
 Even simple choices — choosing a character, finding a background for a picture, selecting a game — are good opportunities for your child to explore.  If your child seems bored with one activity, suggest something new; this could be a different level of the same game, or a new game altogether. (Unless you point them out, your child may not realize he has other choices.)

Keep one child or group from dominating content choices.
 Activities shouldn't be limited to those their friends say are "for boys only" or "for girls only." Talk to your child about the importance of taking turns using the mouse and computer.

My best advice for using technology wisely is this: be intentional about these resources and have a plan.  Decide how technology is going to fit into your daily routine, and be firm with your kids about this decision.   That way, you’re not creating a digital babysitter, and your child is not using technology mindlessly.  

For more information on this topic, visit the link below.

http://www.commonsensemedia.org/advice-for-parents/media-tips-babies-and-toddlers 

Here's an interesting video that addresses the topic of children and media.