Screen time safety for children

The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages media use by children younger than 2 and recommends limiting older children's screen time to no more than 1/2 hour a day.

Too much screen time can be linked to:

• Obesity
  The more TV and video your child watches, the greater his or her risk is of becoming overweight. Having a TV or other electronics in a child's bedroom also increases this risk. Children can also develop an appetite for junk food promoted in ads, as well as overeat while watching on electronics.
• Irregular sleep
  The more time spent watching on a screen, the more likely children will have trouble falling asleep or have an irregular sleep schedule. Sleep loss can lead to fatigue and increased snacking.
• Behavioral problems
  Elementary students who spend more than two hours a day watching TV, playing video games, or using a computer or smartphone are likelier to have emotional, social, and attention problems. Also, exposure to video games is linked with an increased possibility of attention problems in children. 
• Impaired academic performance
  Elementary students who have access to TVs or other screens in their bedrooms tend to perform worse on tests than those who don't have these in their bedrooms.
• Violence
  Too much exposure to violence through media can desensitize children to violence. As a result, children might learn to accept violent behavior as a normal way to solve problems.
• Less time for play
  Excessive screen time leaves less time for active, creative play.

Your child's total screen time might be greater than you realized. Start monitoring it, and talk to your child about the importance of sitting less and moving more. Also, explain screen time rules — and the consequences of breaking them.

Consider these five ways slimming screen time is good for your family's health.

In the meantime, here are simple steps to reduce screen time:

• Eliminate background TV.
  If the TV is turned on — even if it's just in the background — it's likely to draw your child's attention. If you're not actively watching a show, turn it off.
• Keep TVs, smartphones, and computers out of the bedroom.
  Children who have electronics in their bedrooms watch more than children who don't have these in their bedrooms. Monitor your child's screen time and the websites he or she is visiting by keeping TVs and computers in a common area in your house.
• Don't eat in front of a screen.
  Allowing your child to eat or snack in front of electronic devices increases their screen time. The habit also encourages mindless munching, which can lead to weight gain.

When your child has screen time, make it as engaging as possible:

• Plan what your child views.
  Instead of flipping through channels, seek quality videos or programming. Consider using parental control settings on your TV and computers. 
• Watch with your child.
  Whenever possible, watch programs together and talk about what you see, such as family values, violence, or drug abuse. 
• Record programs and watch them later.
  This will allow you to fast-forward through commercials selling toys, junk food, and other products. When watching live programs, use the mute button during commercials.
• Encourage active screen time.
  Have your child stretch or do yoga while watching a show. Challenge your family to see who can do the most jumping jacks during a commercial break. Choose video games that encourage physical activity.

It can be difficult to start limiting your child's screen time. However, it's worth the effort. By creating new household rules and steadily making small changes in your child's routine, you can curb screen time and its potential effects.

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Caring Pediatrics Caring Pediatrics