Is playing iPad games good for kids below 3 years old? Are education apps helpful for children? What are the effects of watching TV among toddlers? Is it OK to use a smartphone or tablet to “baby sit” the child so parents can do other important tasks?
Technology is everywhere and it is having a strong influence to us today. Child experts are studying the effects of technology among children especially screen time. Screen time includes time spent watching television, smartphones, tablets, laptops and other similar devices.
Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families – a non-profit organization in the US – has published Screen Sense: Setting the Record Straight—Research-based Guidelines for Screen Use for Children Under 3 Years Old. It provides a summary and guidelines for screen time use for children under 3 years old. The guidelines are based on leading research by experts in the field of media and young children.
The guidelines are pretty straightforward. It is designed “to serve as a tool for guiding parents and professionals in making informed decisions about screen media use.”
Myths about the screen use for children
First, here are the top 5 myths about the screen use for children.
Myth #1: All screen time is detrimental to early leaning. This is myth. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends to minimize or eliminate media exposure for children under the age of two. But Zero To Three believes that screen media can provide learning experiences even at a young age.
Myth #2. Children aren’t impacted by TV that plays in the background. This is incorrect. Kids are affected by what is being seen or heard on the TV even if the show is not designed for them. Watching news or a soap opera while the child is doing his homework can have negative effects to language, cognitive and executive development.
Myth #3. TV at bedtime can help lull children to sleep. Oops! That’s another no-no. Experts says that TV viewing within 2 hours before bedtime will make it harder for children to fall asleep.
Myth #4. Parental cell phone use doesn’t affect kids’ behavior. New studies shows that the longer the parents interact with their mobile devices, the more likely their children will act out. You can observe this with your child as well. Gab gets a bit more restless if we interact more with the smartphone than with Gab.
Myth #5. The more interactive a screen experience is, the better for kids. Nope, it is not. In fact, too many interactions, buttons, and sound effects can interfere with the child’s focus and attention.
You can download the infographic of the 5 Myths About Young Children and Screen Media from Zero to Three.
Screen Sense Key Research Findings
Screen Sense has also published it’s key research findings and some parenting tips based on these findings. Among the findings and tips on screen use for children are:
- Children learn better with play and interaction in the real world. Screens only provide a representation. Yet it is still a good tool for learning when used properly.
- Screen Time must be limited and provide more opportunities for play in the real world instead.
- Screen Time becomes more effective and meaningful when parents get involved and when a connection is made between what is shown on the screen and what it actually is in the real world.
- Limit background TV and turn off the TV when no one is watching.
- Choose screen content or apps. Make sure the contents reflect the real world, has appropriate interactive components. Focus on the story and content of the app rather than the techie features.
- Parents needs to model the use of screen time and TV. Limit the use when with your child. Find more time to talk together as a family.
Download the complete list of key findings, tips, FAQs by Zero to Three below.
- Screen Sense – Key Research Findings
- Screen Sense – Tips for Using Screen Media With Young Children
- Screen Sense – Frequently Asked Questions
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