Screen Time
/By: Dr. Kelli
“It’s scary how my kid reacts when I take his electronic devices away. ‘He must be legitimately addicted’, I say into my phone.” – Deena Lang
#relatable am I right?
There’s no denying that technology has become a way of life and a massive component of that includes screens ̶ computer screens, iPhone screens, iPad screens, and TV screens. While it is possible to exist in 2021 without screens, it would be pretty inconvenient and way less entertaining. But, as we know, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. This is especially true for our children.
In this post I’ll do my best to answer some of these questions you may have:
“How does screen time affect my child?”
“How much screen time is recommended?”
“How can I limit screen time at home?”
THE EFFECTS
Research has consistently shown that increased screen time for children can lead to obesity, speech impediments, mental health decline, disrupted sleep, social setbacks and developmental delays.
A major study found that more time per week spent on screens at ages 24 months and 36 months was linked with poorer performance on screening tests for behavioral, cognitive and social development at 36 months (JAMA Pediatrics, Vol. 173, No. 3, 2019). The opposite association (poorer development leading to more screen time) was not seen, suggesting that the linkage wasn’t a matter of parents leaning on screen time to handle a challenging child. Instead, the excessive screen time seemed to precede the developmental difficulties.
If you’ve read any of my other blog posts, you will recognize a common theme ̶ the nervous system. It is this dynamic, intelligent system that makes us who we are and determines who we will be. So, when it comes to learning about things that affect the human condition ̶ how we develop, grow, learn, and adapt ̶ I always reference the nervous system.
So how do screens affect the nervous system? Every second of every day your child’s brain is busy forming millions of connections so that they can grow and develop into beautiful little humans. That is their only job for the first few years of life. Screens prevent the brain and nervous system from doing that job efficiently.
Think of it this way: You are working from home but the WI-FI is super glitchy. You eventually get the work done but it takes longer, you got frustrated, took some short-cuts and the quality wasn’t as good as it could have been.
Similar to that scenario, screens interfere with the functioning of the nervous system, which ultimately affects development. Infants’ brains can’t process the artificial, fast-moving graphics and bright colors yet so their nervous system becomes overstimulated. We want to stimulate their systems but we want to do it naturally, ensuring efficient development without interference. Natural stimulation includes free, unrestricted movement like tummy/floor time while limiting time spent in containers like swings, seats and walkers (click here to learn more about containers). Sensory stimulation from being in nature is an excellent way to entertain children while making sure their nervous system is supported. One of the greatest natural stimulations is communication. Talking to your babies and getting eye-level with them on the floor cannot be underestimated. Other activities include playing outside and enjoying meals together. It’s in that connection which allows us to communicate with our children so that they are equipped to process our interactions, learn, and develop unhindered.
THE RECOMMENDATIONS
They say it takes, on average, 10 years for practice to catch up with the research. As a result, a lot of well-meaning healthcare providers are giving recommendations on numerous topics based on outdated research. However, that is NOT the case when it comes to screen time. In fact, there is a universal consensus among most major organizations (AAP, UNICEF, WHO, ICPA) recommending that screen time be avoided and limited in the pediatric population.
Infants (newborn-1 year old)
NO screen time for babies (0 hours/day)
Toddlers (2-5 years old)
Screen time should NOT exceed 1 hour/day for 2-5 year-olds
THE STRATEGIES
Be present & put your phone down-babies are watching and learning from us from day 1
Avoid blue light-emitting screens before bed- make it a routine- no TV, iPad or phones 30 min-1 hour before bedtime
Establish a system with rules and time-limits for screen usage
Declutter toys and play area- clutter can be overwhelming for parents and the kids
Have other activities available that encourage movement, play and imagination
Block the TV with an umbrella or another object while baby explores during floor time
Create a Family Media Plan on the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) website here
What about face-time with relatives? Face-time is such a gift from technology which lets us connect to those who aren’t close to use, so of course, allowing your toddler talk to grandma on face-time is one of those scenarios that is an exception, not the rule. What if you work from home and you have to nurse/hold baby while at the computer? Again, the exception, not the rule.
When it comes down to it, you are the parent and you have the privilege to make decisions that are best for your family! My intention is always to provide evidence-informed information and present it in a way that is easily digestible. My hope is for you to take-away at least one thing you find helpful and implement it in your life. We have the same goal—to nurture happy, healthy children who will grow up to be happy, healthy adults.
References
https://hms.harvard.edu/news/screen-time-brain
https://www.who.int/news/item/24-04-2019-to-grow-up-healthy-children-need-to-sit-less-and-play-more
https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-development/babies-screen-time
https://services.aap.org/en/search/?context=all&k=screen%20time
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/cover-kids-screens