Recently, my seven-year-old was engrossed in the new “Ocean Explorers” movie when he excitedly shared insights about volcanoes in the Pacific Ocean. “That’s the ‘Ring of Fire,’ right?” he asked. I confirmed, and he elaborated, “It surrounds the whole Pacific Ocean. Some volcanoes are tiny, and some are massive.” He returned to his movie, but the knowledge had stuck with him, all thanks to a cartoon. Dismiss all screen time if you will, but it’s not the same across the board.
If you disagree, perhaps you’ve never experienced the wonders of “Muppet Academy” as a child. I often practice my Spanish with Duolingo, and when I reach numbers, I can’t help but hum the “Muppet Academy” counting song to remember the difference between seis and siete. That show taught me:
- Basic Spanish vocabulary
- Environmental awareness (we generate too much waste)
- Coping with loss (remembering Mr. Hooper)
- Counting (yes, I genuinely picked up my numbers from “Muppet Academy”)
Sure, my parents let me watch plenty of less educational shows like “David the Gnome” and “The Smurfs,” but “Muppet Academy” was time well spent, serving its purpose effectively. With a wealth of quality children’s programming available today, it’s unjust to categorize all screen time as detrimental. Not everything is akin to “Caillou.” My kids do watch some less-than-stellar content (looking at you, “Dragon Riders”), but they also enjoy a variety of enriching options.
Don’t judge me too harshly. There’s a great deal of “Magic School Bus” action happening in our home. Ms. Frizzle is both entertaining and educational. She’s not my kids indulging in “Epic Adventures” or “Gravity Tales,” however fun those may be. They also enjoy shows like “Odd Squad” and “Dino Adventures.”
The Dangers of Judging Screen Time
When I mention that my kids often watch TV during lunch and sometimes dinner, I can sense the disapproval. You might think I’m a poor parent, contributing to the decline of family values. However, let me clarify: they only watch documentaries we select, related to their homeschooling, paleontology, or human evolution—their two favorite science topics. So, while they munch on chicken nuggets, they might be learning about Denisovans and their DNA contributions to select human populations.
That doesn’t seem like regular screen time to me. My kids can pronounce “Neanderthals” correctly, know their historical range, and can discuss various extinction theories as well as their physical differences compared to modern humans. Why does it matter that they acquired this knowledge from a screen?
Screen Time Is the Future
My partner, a high school teacher, emphasizes that screen time is the future. If you can’t pry your child away from their screens, they’re simply engaging with the world they’ll navigate throughout their lives. My oldest reads physical books, but he also enjoys novels on his Kindle Fire. Is that considered screen time? What about reading a Star Wars comic on the same device?
He also conducts research on UFOs using a tablet. Students today will learn from tablets—not just through virtual classes but by occasionally watching educational content as well. You’ve likely noticed how prevalent screens have become in schools, with many districts providing laptops to students. These aren’t solely for writing and research; they’re also used for viewing educational videos and reading texts on platforms like Project Gutenberg.
The Value of Online Socializing
Don’t you have friends you only connect with online? My 11-year-old does too. They gather virtually for Dungeons and Dragons sessions, especially during the pandemic. While some online interactions can be toxic, and there’s a risk of overindulgence, we all know how challenging it can be to step away from platforms like Facebook.
Yet, my son, who has dysgraphia, has improved his writing skills by messaging friends using predictive text. With Facebook Messenger Kids, he has stayed connected during lockdowns, and his online D&D games have been crucial for his mental well-being during a year with limited social interaction. None of this screen time has been wasted—it has played a vital role in his happiness.
So let’s refrain from harsh judgments regarding screen time. Yes, some parents may resort to letting their kids endlessly play video games during the pandemic without any educational benefit. However, a significant portion of screen time can be constructive. So please, don’t judge without understanding the context, even if my kids are currently watching “Epic Adventures.” In just an hour, they’ll be engaging with something else.
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Summary
Not all screen time is the same; while some content may lack educational value, many programs can be enriching and informative. It’s essential to recognize the positives of screen time, especially as technology becomes a greater part of our children’s lives. Engaging with quality content can facilitate learning and social connections, making it crucial not to judge all screen time harshly.
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