Health and Mind: How Screen Time and Media Affect Children

Released at 3:00 pm on Saturday, August 27, 2022

Amy Williams

MS. R.D. LD. LDEs

We’ve all heard about how screen time and computer games can harm kids, but the question is, “How harmful is it, or is it too much?” is often Most children today are connected to televisions and video games long before they start school. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation:

• Two-thirds of infants spend an average of two hours a day looking at screens.

• Children under the age of 6 watch an average of about 2 hours a day of screen media such as television, videos and DVDs.

• Children and teens ages 8-18 spend nearly 4 hours a day in front of a screen and an additional 2 hours (outside of school) using computers or playing video games. .

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children under the age of 2 should avoid screens and that children over the age of 2 watch only 1-2 hours of quality programming per day. . Her first two years of life are considered a critical period for brain development. Time spent viewing other electronic media on screen can interfere with exploration, play, and interaction with parents and others, promoting learning and healthy physical and social development. As children get older, too much screen time can interfere with activities such as physical activity, reading, homework, playing with friends, and spending time with family. Too much screen time can be detrimental for children who are overweight and likely to be overweight. Children who see violent behavior are more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior, but they are afraid that the world is scary and that something bad will happen to them. Television characters often portray risky behaviors such as smoking and drinking, reinforcing gender roles and racial stereotypes.

There are several options for parents to limit media time with their children, including:

• Do not place screens in bedrooms.

• Turn off the screen while eating.

• Do not let your child watch media while doing homework.

Treat TV and screen time as an earned privilege, not a right. Establish and enforce electronic viewing rules for your family, such as only allowing screens after chores or homework has been completed.

Try weekday bans. Schoolwork, sports activities, and work responsibilities make it difficult to find extra family time during the week. , more family unity time spent reading.

Set a good example by limiting your TV and electronic viewing.

For programs that you can watch together as a family, check the program listings and program reviews in advance. Choose programs that promote interest and learning in hobbies or education (reading, science, etc.).

Preview shows before your child watches.

Think of a TV schedule that everyone in your family agrees on each week.

watch TV together. If you can’t sit through the entire program, watch at least the first few minutes to assess tone and appropriateness, then review the show in its entirety.

Talk about what your kids see on their electronic devices and share your own beliefs and values. If something appears on your screen that you don’t approve of, you can turn it off and then take the opportunity to ask thought-provoking questions.

The Clark County Health Department offers programs for the whole family, including smoking cessation, WIC, HANDS, family planning, parenting/immunization. For more information on all of our services, please call 859/744-4482 or visit our website www.clarkhealthdept.org. You can also like us on Facebook.