In a world of handheld devices, a 24/7 news cycle and smart technology, information and instant communication are at our children's fingertips before they are even a year old.
While we have more learning tools and resources now than ever before, experts, including Atrium Health’s Crystal R. Bullard, MD, recommend limiting recreational screen time – including TVs, computers, video games, tablets and smartphones – to less than two hours a day and encouraging more at-home activities with face-to-face interaction.
"Face-to-face interaction is important in child development," says Dr. Bullard, who specializes in child and adolescent psychiatry. "It enhances the learning process and social engagement as well as encourages brain development."
While high-quality programming can have educational value for children starting at 18 months, The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends families implement a family media plan to balance media use with other healthy behaviors.
Screen time substitutions
Dr. Bullard recommends families restrict electronic usage around certain times, such as dinner time or on the car ride to and from school, to give families an opportunity to spend quality time together. Engaging in family activities – like board games, an at-home scavenger hunt or crafts – can help stimulate the brain and encourage face-to-face connections.
"Even though kids want their electronics and want to be on social media all the time, they ultimately end up missing attention from their parents and families, " says Dr. Bullard. "It's also imperative for parents to be role models when establishing rules around social media usage."
In addition to family communication, Dr. Bullard emphasizes the importance of peer-to-peer interaction. It’s normal for adolescents to make friends online – it can even be positive for their development. But connecting with other kids in person teaches different social skills.
"Children who are more introverted, have anxiety or difficulty socially engaging may find it easier to socialize through social media, and rely on online or gaming friends rather than socialization with peers and family members," says Dr. Bullard. "It's important for parents to keep kids involved in activities such as sports and clubs where they interact with peers."
Instead of relying solely on electronics for entertainment, find a brain-stimulating activity that interests your child, like volunteering, joining a sports team or attending youth classes at a community center.
Better sleep, reduced fatigue
Studies have shown that screen time before bed can disrupt healthy sleep habits and nutrition in children, leading to fatigue and even unhealthy weight gain.
"Our brains respond to light, and when more light enters our pupils before bed, the brain delays the release of melatonin," says Dr. Bullard. "Whereas when darkness enters the pupils, melatonin is released which helps us fall asleep."
Dr. Bullard recommends children turn screens off about one hour before bedtime as a lack of sleep can disrupt focus and concentration. It can even affect children psychologically and lead to irritability, mood swings and agitation.
In addition to limiting screen time before bed, Dr. Bullard says kids should be given intervals or breaks when using electronics, as extended screen time can lead to eye fatigue and dry eyes. The American Optometric Association recommends children look away from screens every 20 minutes.
"We live in a time where even 6-month-old babies are exposed to blue light from electronics," says Dr. Bullard. "Developing a cell phone contract with your child or teenager in which they establish rules surrounding cell phone usage, such as when it will be turned off, can be helpful to set standards before the child is given a cell phone."
Looking for more ways to help your family stay healthy? By eating more fruits and vegetables, being physically active for at least one hour per day, limiting recreational screen time, and avoiding sugary drinks, your family can join the 5210 League and make the pledge to be healthy together.
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