Jun 10, 2022

It’s nearly summer, which means long days in the sun, trips to the pool, and…lots and lots of screens. Without school to keep your kids occupied, sometimes it feels like the only option is to plop them in front of the iPad so you can get some work done. And while that isn’t what’s healthiest for kids — excessive use has been linked to obesity and depressive symptoms, in addition to lower scores on cognitive assessments for some age groups — it’s also not the moral failing society makes it out to be. Screen time is a necessary tool for parents. So make it educational, make it active, and make it limited. But don’t stress too much. The kids will be alright.

TECH   What Parents Are Getting Wrong About Screen Time   The argument against screen time has become a moral panic which doesn't help anyone.   Read this story

Practical Tips for Limiting Your Child's Screen Time   Don’t make a big change all at once. Cut back on screen time gradually.   Explain why you’re cutting back on screen time. This makes kids more likely to comply.   Set screen time goals with your kids. Engage them in the process.   Get off your own phone. Model healthy screen time habits for your kids.   Create screen-free zones in your house, such as their bedroom.

FURTHER READING Two-Thirds of Kids Under 5 Are Way Over on Their Screen Time Study Links Screen Time to Brain Changes and Slower Development Good Parenting Could Mitigate The Bad Effects Of Child Screen Time

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STAT OF THE DAY 2   The maximum number of hours of screen time older kids and teens should get per day, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Those aged 2 to 5 should get less than an hour per day, and kids under 2 should get none.

HEALTH   How Screen Time Creates Kid ‘Dopamine Addicts’ With Bad Habits   Research shows that children's brains on screen time look a lot like children's brains on cocaine, and scientists are just starting to discover what that means.   READ THIS STORY

PARENTING   Screen Time Isn’t Great For Kids, But It Can Be Good for Parents   I told myself that I wouldn't park my kids in front of a screen. I generally don't, but sometimes the kid is crying and you need some animated support.   READ THIS STORY

Use Screen Time to Get Kids Moving   Turn commercial breaks into a fitness challenge. For example, see who can do the most burpees before the ads end.   Put on videos and TV shows that encourage kids to get active, like The Wiggles.   Encourage apps such as Pokemon Go that require users to walk around their neighborhood.

FURTHER READING I Let My Kid Try This Educational App & It’s Screen Time I Actually Feel Good About How to Create Healthy (And Reasonable) Family Screen Time Habits Help! My Wife Is Too Relaxed With Summer Screen Time

TV   Video Games Are Better for Kids Than TV. Period.   All screen time is not created equal, and sometimes it's downright beneficial.   READ THIS STORY

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