For families of babies, toddlers and preschoolers, saying no screen time is easier said than done.<\/p>\n
Technology isn\u2019t going away and neither is the desire to make sure that kids are prepared for a world filled with computers at every turn.<\/p>\n
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no exposure to screens for children under 2 years old. But as the child gets older, families can use technology and interactive media to support learning and, ultimately, relationships.<\/p>\n
By managing screen time and choosing developmentally appropriate technology, adults can actually extend children\u2019s learning, according to the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children\u2019s Media at Saint Vincent College.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s important to note that not all technology is equal when it comes to use with young children. Early childhood organizations make distinctions between passive, non-interactive technology such as certain television programs and DVDs versus age-appropriate websites, phone apps and television programs that allow for the child to be active, create, think critically and problem solve.<\/p>\n
First Things First reminds families that they\u2019re in charge of managing the quantity and quality of screen time. What does that look like in real life? Finding a balance of activities is key.<\/p>\n
Limit your child\u2019s screen time and follow up by allowing time for your child to explore, pick up things and touch things, all ways to stimulate all the senses. For more tips go to healthychildren.org<\/a> and search screen time.<\/p>\n Make sure that an adult is always with your child, providing hands-on engagement with what is happening on-screen. Zerotothree.org<\/a> tells families to ask questions to engage thinking skills, such as, \u201cWhat do you think will happen next?\u201d Or after viewing a show about animals, take a walk and talk about the animals you see.<\/p>\n A smartphone can certainly engage a preschooler or young child, but an adult should be with the child to make the experience interactive. Using Skype to talk on camera with family members provides an authentic engagement with people in the child\u2019s life and their world.<\/p>\n Even television or videos billed as educational do not help children under age 2 learn language. Babies and toddlers learn new words and develop language skills by listening and interacting with caring adults.<\/p>\n
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