Screen time: Just how much is enough
THE DIGITAL age is here! We have accessibility and content at out fingertips. While as adults we have the skills to choose wisely, our children need guidance in navigating this digital world. As we nurture our children, we must also provide guidance about the who, when, where, and duration our children should be exposed to media use. The ultimate goal is for smart choices to be made from infancy and beyond.
WHO MAY BE EXPOSED?
There is no role for media use in children less than 18 months of age, unless it is Face Time or Skype with caregivers and family members.
Children between 18-24 months whose parents are desirous of introducing media options should do so with high-quality content only.
Between two-five years, media use should be limited to one hour per day.
Children six years and older should have clear guidelines regarding time spent, content allowed and the rules while engaged in use.
WHERE AND WITH WHOM SHOULD CHILDREN BE ENGAGED WITH MEDIA?
Open family areas are the best places for you to engage in media with your child. Programmes should be watched with your child and discussion is encouraged.
Screen-free zones should be created to ensure family interaction. Dining and bedrooms should be screenfree; conversation is encouraged at dinnertime, while sleep and relaxation occur in the bedroom. There should be no digital use either during homework time (monitor online homework), or while walking. screen time should be no closer than an hour before bedtime. Devices should be charged and stored in a separate area from the bedroom. Decide shut-down time for media devices.
CHOOSE WISELY
Be mindful of ‘educational apps’ which may not have been evaluated for its ‘educational value’. Become familiar with programme ratings which are provided by the Jamaica Broadcasting Commission to assist with age-appropriate content. Choose how your child engages with media. This may be by video chatting, by coplaying video games, creative uses such as making movies, assisting with school tasks and ‘true educational’ shows.
RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
As a parent, teach children not to give out personal information, photos, chat or game with strangers. Review privacy settings with children. Inform your children about cyberbullying or any photo, message or invitation that you would consider inappropriate. Provide reassurance that such issues can be discussed.
BE AN EXEMPLARY MODEL
Practise what you preach. Respect screen-free zones. Do not text or answer phones during mealtime. Rather, ask to be excused. Watch appropriate content in the presence of children. Balance online time with work time and family time.
The digital world is here to stay. Let’s teach our children how to make smart choices. Don’t feel pressured to introduce digital devices early. Co-view with children and provide guidelines. As with all things, moderation is the key and we must practise what we preach.