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American Academy of Pediatrics
Media is everywhere. TV, Internet, computer and video games all vie for our children's attention. Today's children are spending an average of seven hours a day on entertainment media, including televisions, computers, phones and other electronic devices. To help kids make wise media choices, parents should monitor their media diet. Studies have shown that excessive media use can lead to attention problems, school difficulties, sleep and eating disorders, and obesity. Set Screen-Time Limits and Schedules Children and teens should engage with entertainment media for no more than one or two hours per day, and that should be high-quality content. It is important for kids to spend time on outdoor play, reading, hobbies, and using their imaginations in free play. Television and other entertainment media should be avoided for infants and children under age 2. A child's brain develops rapidly during these first years, and young children learn best by interacting with people, not screens. Screen-Free Zones The AAP recommends that parents establish "screen-free" zones at home by making sure there are no televisions, computers or video games in children's bedrooms, other living areas, and by turning off the all screens during dinner. Create Alternatives to Screens Have alternatives ready for non-electronic formats such as books, newspapers, arts & crafts and board games. Having multiple items ready to go can make the alternative an easier transition. Be Involved During Screen Time By watching television and playing on the Ipad with their children, parents can help guide their children's media experience. Putting questionable content into context and teaching kids about advertising contributes to their media literacy. Bates Technical College is offering a free Brain Series event on children and screen media. See Evite link below http://www.bates.ctc.edu/BrainSeries
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