Screen time and kids' health: finding a balance

Screen time has become a common concern for parents as technology has become an integral part of daily life. While technology can offer many benefits, excessive screen time can have negative effects on children's health and development. Here are some tips for finding a balance between screen time and kids' health:

• Set limits: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children ages 2 to 5 have no more than one hour of screen time per day, and that children ages 6 and older have consistent limits on the amount of screen time they have each day. Work with your child to set realistic limits and make sure they understand why those limits are in place.
• Encourage other activities: Encourage your child to engage in other activities, such as playing outside, reading, playing board games, or participating in sports or other hobbies.
• Choose age-appropriate content: Make sure the content your child is viewing is age-appropriate and aligns with your family's values. Consider using parental controls and monitoring your child's online activity.
• Prioritize face-to-face interaction: Make sure that screen time does not replace face-to-face interaction with family members, friends, and peers. Encourage your child to have conversations, play games, and engage in other activities with family and friends.
• Model healthy behaviour: Set an example for your child by modelling healthy screen time habits. Put your own devices away during meal times and other family activities and engage with your child directly.
• Use technology for positive purposes: Encourage your child to use technology for positive purposes, such as learning, creating, and exploring new ideas.

By finding a balance between screen time and other activities, parents can help ensure that their child's use of technology is healthy and positive. It's important to remember that every child is different, and finding the right balance will depend on individual needs and circumstances.

 

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