While most parents use technology as a way to keep their children occupied, the American Academy of Pediatrics has always suggested that kids under the age of two shouldn’t be exposed to any sort of screen time, and those over two get only two hours a day, but that’s about to change. The AAP is expected to announce new guidelines for parents that reflect the realities of raising children in the digital age.
“We are here to help parents,” Dr. Ari Brown, Chair of the AAP’s Children, Adolescents, and Media Leadership Working Group told “Parents” magazine. “We know the challenges and we want to be realistic in our approach. As a pediatrician and a mom, I have personally struggled with how to advise families (and my own family) with the explosion of technology as there are many benefits, but definitely some concerns.”
As for the new guidelines, AAP isn’t expected to set any specific time limits, but rather offer up some new tips for parents. Among them:
- Set Limits – Kids need and expect to be given certain time constraints so give it to them and stick to it. Also, for very young children, make unplugged playtime a priority, and put reasonable limits on tech time.
- Practice What You Preach – If you want your kid to limit their online use, limit your own to be a good example.
- Face-to-Face Communication is Important – For very young children, there’s no better way to learn than through two-way communication, so it’s important to engage in “talk time” for language development. Of course that talk time can be both face-to-face and via video chat.
- Family Participation is Key – Don’t just stick an iPad in your kids’ face. Play a video game with them, and make sure to demonstrate good sportsmanship and etiquette.
- Research Apps – Even though an app is labeled educational it really may not be. Do a little research before you let your kids play on certain apps.
- Create Tech-Free Zones – Certain times of the day, like say mealtime, should be tech-free. In addition, it’s recommended that devices stay out of bedrooms overnight. Use tech mistakes as teachable moments, although certain behavior, like sexting, should be considered a red flag that should cause concern.
Source: Parents.com
