Birmingham, Ala. (Sept. 23, 2024) — Children spend a lot of time in front of screens, whether for schoolwork or activities at home. The increased use of digital screens has prompted conversations about how much screen time is too much and how parents can manage it.
According to Dr. Nashedra Barry, a psychologist at Children’s of Alabama, screen time refers to any time spent consuming media that involves a digital screen. This can include a cell phone, iPad, tablet, or television. Barry says the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations for screen time use are broken down by age group.
- Children younger than two years old: Zero Screen Time, except for video chatting with family and friends.
- Children aged 2 to 5: Limit screen use to 1 hour daily.
- Children aged six years and older: Generally, no more than two hours per day. Parents will decide how and when children can use media.
“The main thing is that parents and their children are prioritizing other activities and making sure that they are meeting their sleep and physical activity requirements,” said Barry.
Barry says excess screen time can manifest in several health issues for children, including poor sleep, weight gain, and difficulty regulating their attention. Barry advises parents to monitor how and what their kids see on their screens and encourage positive, meaningful, and educational media use.
“If they are starting to withdraw and spend less time on other activities than they used to,” said Barry. “If you are starting to see a change in their mental health or grades or dropping, you definitely want to pay attention to those signs.”
Barry says there are several ways parents can control screen time. The first is by setting a good example and being a role model for their children. Parents can also limit their own device use, especially when they are with their children. Another suggestion is for parents to set limits to make sure children don’t spend too much time in front of a screen. Barry says this can be achieved by setting up a family media plan.
“It is essentially a contract that you can create with your family together,” said Barry. “It outlines how you are going to use screen time as a family. It’s a great way to sit down and come to an agreement as a family about what’s appropriate.”
Barry also suggests that the family come up with fun alternatives to screen time, such as doing some outdoor activity or encouraging them to create things, draw, or paint.
“It is important for children to learn how to socialize in real life and not just via a screen,” said Barry.
For more information on how to create a family media plan, click here.
