{"id":5762,"date":"2019-05-01T20:30:20","date_gmt":"2019-05-02T03:30:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/?p=5762"},"modified":"2019-05-02T01:13:43","modified_gmt":"2019-05-02T08:13:43","slug":"screen-time-for-kids-how-much-is-too-much","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naturalwire.com\/screen-time-for-kids-how-much-is-too-much\/","title":{"rendered":"Screen Time for Kids \u2013 How Much is Too Much?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Technology is an integral part<\/strong> of our lives. It touches nearly every aspect. The kids that we raise today will never know a world without screens. Naturally, we start to wonder<\/strong> how screen time for kids can affect their health.<\/p>\n

Is there such a thing<\/strong> as too much screen time?<\/p>\n

How does exposure to this technology<\/strong> affect our kids' brains?<\/p>\n

We've scoured and researched looking for answers to these questions and we put together a list of the facts you should know about kids and screen time.<\/p>\n

\"Screen<\/p>\n

How Does Screen Time Affect Kids\u2019 Brains?<\/h3>\n

Screens have invaded our day to day tasks. Even fridges are now equipped with these devices. For children, interaction with digital technology starts nearly at birth. They are surrounded<\/strong> by TVs and given iPads for e-learning.<\/p>\n

With all of this exposure, it is important that we explore<\/strong> how screen time affects kids' brains.<\/p>\n

The news may not be as grim as you may think. In fact, screen time can promote healthy development in children. The key to healthy screen time is moderating<\/strong> the type of content that children consume.<\/p>\n

For example, educational shows that promote critical thinking<\/strong> with a question and answer format can help promote healthy development in children. These types of content encourage imaginative thinking and engage children.<\/strong> With interactive programs, kids aren't passively consuming the content. Instead, their little minds are engaged while using imaginative problem-solving skills.<\/p>\n

However, too much<\/strong> screen time can also lead to developmental concerns.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Modern technology provides a type of instant gratification to use. Think about when you receive a notification on your smartphone that lets you know someone just \u201cliked\u201d your photo.<\/p>\n

The same kind of instant gratification happens when children are exposed to screen time.<\/p>\n

Some studies show that excessive consumption<\/strong> of screen time can lead to various developmental issues. The isolating nature of screen time can hamper the development of social and communication skills.<\/strong> With digital content, kids don't get practice with real social interactions. They miss out on learning how to read important facial and social clues<\/strong> during real conversations. This can lead to trouble with making friends or maintaining social relationships outside of the home.<\/p>\n

The instant gratification can also lower kids' abilities to focus<\/strong> and reduce attention spans. When kids get used to endless content at their fingertips, it can set unrealistic expectations.<\/strong> They adjust to being able to have instant content, which can lead to dissatisfaction and irritability<\/strong> when they are forced to wait. Excessive amounts of screen time can lead to difficulties focusing<\/strong> in school later in life.<\/p>\n

Consuming content that lacks educational value<\/strong> can also be detrimental to a child's mental development. Empty content does not promote good reading skills or advanced vocabularies. In this case, it may be better to opt for some reading or art time<\/strong> rather than screen time.<\/p>\n

\"Screen<\/p>\n

What is a Healthy Amount of Screen Time?<\/h3>\n

Many parents wonder what actually<\/strong> constitutes a \u201chealthy\u201d amount of screen time.<\/p>\n

Is it possible<\/strong> that there is such a thing?<\/p>\n

Many parents forbid screen time altogether for fear of hampering a child's development. As they grow older, however, it will be nearly impossible to remove screen time from their lives altogether.<\/p>\n

Recent studies suggest that children under the age of 18 months should not be exposed to any screen time.<\/strong> They also show that children under the age of 16 months gain no significant learning from educational content on screens. However, they do make one exception; video calls with family can be used<\/strong> to promote bonding among family members that aren't able to visit frequently.<\/p>\n

Between the ages of 2 and 5<\/strong>, studies suggest that parents should limit screen time for their kids to only 1 hour per day.<\/strong> Most importantly, they should be filtering content for quality and watching with their children, if possible. A parent present helps the child get even more interaction.<\/p>\n

The first three years of a child's life are some of the most critical for development.<\/strong> They essentially set the foundation<\/strong> for all other learning that will happen for the rest of their lives. When choosing content for your toddler, you should focus on educational content that engages<\/strong> their imaginations and creativity.<\/p>\n

\"Screen<\/p>\n

How to Reduce Kids' Screen Time<\/h3>\n

Reducing kids' screen time can be challenging.<\/strong> At the end of the long day, the last thing you probably want to have to deal with is a screaming child demanding an iPad. Sometimes, screen time is just easier for everyone.<\/p>\n

So there has to be a better way<\/strong>, right?<\/p>\n

You can start by setting an example.<\/strong> Kids learn from our behavior. While it may be tempting to answer every email and text message right away, try reducing your own screen time.<\/strong> By setting a good example for your kids, they can learn from your behavior. This may help break the vicious screen time cycle.<\/p>\n

You can also set limited viewing times.<\/strong> Try setting established guidelines for when screen time is allowed. Maybe you limit the screen time to certain hours of the day.<\/strong> Or you can try to limit to a certain amount of time per day.<\/strong> Either way, setting clear guidelines can help limit kids' screen time.<\/p>\n

You should also monitor your child's behavioral changes.<\/strong> Not all content is designed for healthy consumption by children. If you're noticing that screen time or certain content is causing them to become aggressive or irritable<\/strong>, remove it. This provides you a well-founded reason for removing the screen time from your kid's schedule.<\/p>\n

When your child requests more screen time, try providing alternative activities.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Oftentimes, kids turn to screens when they are bored. Providing engaging, alternative activities<\/strong> can be a great way to reduce screen time. If it's a nice day out, suggest a park outing or bike ride.<\/strong> If you'd rather stay inside, offer to:<\/p>\n