Parenting
By Jamie Parker
Updated: Feb. 21, 2019
Originally Published: Jan. 30, 2018
Does it seem like your children are glued to a screen all the time? Are you feeling guilty about it? Unsure about what really constitutes screen time, and worried that your kids’ habits could be harming their development or well-being? If so, you’re far from alone. Nowadays, much of our children’s lives revolves around screens—be it for education, socializing, or entertainment. Back in our day, parental pleas were usually, “Turn off the TV and get your homework done!” Yet today, many kids complete their homework on screens, making it all a bit perplexing.
Our children don’t just use screens for schoolwork or gaming; they read, socialize, and even exercise through various devices. This new digital landscape leaves parents with few clear guidelines that reflect our realities and concerns.
Enter journalist and tech-education expert, Mia Thompson. As a mother of two, Mia penned The Art of Screen Time: How Your Family Can Balance Digital Media and Real Life, which pulls insights from over 500 parents along with a range of experts. Her pragmatic approach to screen time is the no-nonsense perspective we’ve all been waiting for.
Mia starts by revealing the stark reality of how much screen time kids actually indulge in and how early they begin, and it’s far from the sugar-coated responses many of us might give to avoid judgment.
For instance, remember those recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) discouraging screens for children under two? Those guidelines have evolved, and Mia notes that almost no parents adhere to them. In fact, 90% of parents don’t wait that long before allowing their little ones to engage with screens.
So, what about the amount of time kids actually spend on screens daily? Mia has some eye-opening statistics. According to a recent survey by Common Sense Media, parents report that children aged 0-8 average around 2 hours and 19 minutes of screen time daily. However, that figure is likely underestimated; other studies suggest the actual time could be closer to 4 to 5 hours a day. This sounds much more plausible, especially when you consider all the non-entertainment screen activities—like homework and social media—our kids are involved in.
Of course, limits are important. We don’t want to raise children who are completely detached from reality, so Mia advocates for a balanced approach. She believes parents typically know when screen time is becoming problematic, and these issues often manifest quite clearly.
Mia highlights several warning signs that may indicate your child is struggling with screen time. Sleep issues, particularly when linked to nighttime use, and obesity from excessive video-watching are significant red flags. Other concerns like anxiety, aggression, and academic struggles may also be associated with media use, though research on these is more contentious. Kids with ADHD or autism may be more vulnerable to these challenges. An additional warning sign? If your child reacts explosively when screen time ends, that may suggest it’s time to pull back a bit.
Ultimately, it’s not about tracking the hours or specific activities. It’s about tuning into your instincts as a parent. “You know your child best; if something feels off, there’s usually no harm in reducing screen time,” says Mia.
Most importantly, Mia encourages parents to engage in open, judgment-free conversations about screen time with each other. And let’s not forget about our own screen habits—they could always use a little reflection. “[T]ake a good hard look at your own tech use and strive to embody the values you promote as a parent. Kids observe our actions as much as our words,” she cautions.
Here’s one last piece of wisdom: screen time tends to be healthier when parents participate alongside their kids, whether it’s watching shows or playing video games together. This can be challenging, but it’s a goal worth striving for.
So, let’s put aside the guilt, embrace screen time for what it is, and aim for a balanced, healthy approach. Mia’s motto is simple: “Enjoy screens! Not too much. Mostly together.” It’s a fantastic reminder as we navigate the sometimes bewildering yet enriching world of screens with our children.
For those interested in exploring more about parenting and technology, check out Modern Family Blog, an excellent resource on this topic.
Summary:
This article discusses the realities of screen time for children, emphasizing the need for balance and open conversations among parents. With insights from Mia Thompson’s book, it highlights the importance of recognizing red flags related to excessive screen use and encourages parents to engage with their children’s screen activities. Ultimately, the article promotes a guilt-free approach to managing screen time.