SCREEN TIME LIMITS
Children of all ages will benefit from not being tied to various devices
Children of all ages will benefit from not being tied to various devices, says Dr. David Wong
Dear Dr. Wong: We have three young children. Our oldest daughter just started Grade 4. Several of her classmates got a smartphone this year. She is bugging us to get her one. Our second son is seven; he loves playing videogames and watching YouTube videos. Our youngest son is four, but he tries to catch up with his older brother on videogames and TV.
I am not sure how to set limits. Both of us use computers and smartphones at home also. We know we may not be setting the best example. Do you have any suggestion for us?
Answer: The use of electronics is a real challenge for a modern family. You are clearly not alone. As a pediatrician, I have seen many families struggle with this issue. There is no single solution that will solve your problems, but I can suggest some broad ideas for you to consider.
Computers, tablets and smartphones are the new realities. They are similar to television several decades ago. Doctors have warned that excessive time spent on watching television can be harmful; it is still true today. Parents should avoid putting TVs in children’s rooms, even if it is not hooked up to cable or satellite. If no one is watching the TV program, turn it off.
Use of any screen in the evening can affect sleep. The light emitting from electronic screens can affect melatonin in our brain, which makes us feel tired at night. Turn off all screens one hour before bedtime.
Some evening rituals, like taking a bath, reading a book or listening to music, can help children to calm down and fall asleep.
Make sure they have good physical activities during the day can get them physically tired at night and promote sleep. Don’t allow long naps after school.
Your oldest daughter doesn’t need a smartphone now. Some parents mistakenly believe that this can improve security; their children can call them if there is emergency. It rarely happens. Unfortunately, cyberbullying is a serious and increasing common problem. Young children with smartphones are much more likely to be victims. Phone calls and messages can also distract her.
If you decide to give her a smartphone when she is older, you should lay down some ground rules first. Monitor the apps that she uses and make sure they are age appropriate, as well as the messages that she sends and receives.
Watch for cyberbullying and sexting (sending and receiving sexual images). Make her feel comfortable to talk to you if there is any problem online.
Try to get her to use electronics in the living room so that you can monitor what is going on.
All portable electronics should go to your room for overnight charging so that children cannot use them at night because this will really affect their sleep and their education.
You have to set limits on screen time for all your children. Very little is learned on watching YouTube videos. Some videogames can be educational, but most are just fun to play.
Children should spend no more than one to two hours on screen a day; less is better.
Work on other outdoor or indoor physical and recreational activities that they are interested in.
Your youngest son is trying to imitate his older brother. Spend quality time with him reading and playing; avoid using television or videos as babysitter.
Turn off your smartphone and TV at mealtime. Talk to each other instead of watching a screen. Parents have to set an example for their children. Wait until they are in bed before turning your computer on for work.
These are tough decision; but who said raising children is easy?
Dr. David Wong is a consultant pediatrician in Summerside and recipient of 2012 Distinguished Community Paediatrician Award of the Canadian Paediatric Society. His column will appear in The Guardian on the last Tuesday of every month. If you have a question for Dr. Wong, mail it to Prince County Hospital, 65 Roy Boates Ave., Summerside, P.E.I., C1N 2A9.