What are your kids watching?

What are your kids watching? Technology, screens, and access to media devices is a normal part of our lives in this day and age. Technology and access to so many media outlets can have a lot of positive benefits. However, there are negative consequences that come along with too much time spent on devices and too much access to social media without the proper amount of supervision of time and content. Studies show that too much time on a device or multiple devices has an effect on a kids mood, social and emotional development, and executive functioning skills. As parents it is our responsibility to engage our kids so that technology and all of its benefits can be appropriately utilized, and to also model appropriate usage of time.

American Academy of Pediatric recommendations:

• For children younger than 18 months, avoid use of screen media other than video-chatting. Parents of children 18 to 24 months of age who want to introduce digital media should choose high-quality programming, and watch it with their children to help them understand what they’re seeing.
• For children ages 2 to 5 years, limit screen use to 1 hour per day of high-quality programs. Parents should co-view media with children to help them understand what they are seeing and apply it to the world around them.
• For children ages 6 and older, place consistent limits on the time spent using media, and the types of media, and make sure media does not take the place of adequate sleep, physical activity and other behaviors essential to health.
• Designate media-free times together, such as dinner or driving, as well as media-free locations at home, such as bedrooms.
• Have ongoing communication about online citizenship and safety, including treating others with respect online and offline.