Welcome to the world of digital natives! Mini-Mes today are born with a tablet in one hand and a smartphone in the other. While we marvel at how easily they swipe through apps, there’s no denying that finding balance in their digital life is more important than ever. How can we manage Mini-Me’s screen time and raise a tech-savvy, well-rounded digital native?
According to experts, it’s not about eliminating screen time entirely, but about finding the right balance. Research has shown that excessive screen use can impact children’s social-emotional development and lead to issues like poor sleep and increased risks of obesity. Recent recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) state that children under two years old should not be exposed to any screen time. So how do we as parents, caregivers, or guardians handle this tricky situation? Here are some tech tips with a twist of humor to help you manage your child’s screen time!
Don’t Use Screens as Digital Pacifiers
It can be tempting to use the tablet as a quick distraction during long car rides or as a “timeout” tool when they’re hyper. But experts say this isn’t the best approach. A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that using screen time as a reward or to calm kids down can backfire. Additionally, excessive screen usage has detrimental effects on social and emotional growth, including a rise in the likelihood of obesity, sleep disorders, and mental health conditions including depression and anxiety. It can obstruct the ability to interpret emotions, fuel aggressive conduct, and harm one’s psychological health in general. creen Media Overuse and Associated Physical, Cognitive, and Emotional/Behavioral Outcomes in Children and Adolescents: An Integrative Review.
So, let’s challenge our Mini-Mes (and ourselves) to deal with boredom without a screen. Try the Mini-Me method: turn the “boredom” into a mini creative challenge instead!
Set Boundaries (But Make it Fun!)
Sure, we all know that the kitchen table is sacred ground, but did you know that a screen-free dining experience actually helps with language development? So, no screens allowed at the dinner table (and yes, I’m talking to you, Mini-Me). Think of it like a digital curfew. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests a family media plan that can work for all of you. Turn it into a game where the prize is a screen-free evening of family bonding, preferably involving board games or reading (yes, those still exist).
Co-View and Laugh Together
Scientific evidence support pediatric recommendations to limit children’s duration of screen exposure, to select high-quality programming, and to co-view whenever possible. Watching shows with your child can be a great bonding experience! Research shows that co-viewing helps children connect what they see on screen to the real world.
It’s not just about the show; it’s about the conversations afterward. Plus, it’ll give you plenty of chances to make your kid laugh with your “dad jokes” or exaggerated impressions of the characters.
Be a Digital Role Model—Mini-Me Style
Yes, the mirror effect is real! If you’re glued to your own screen 24/7, don’t be surprised if your child develops the same habit. Patterns of parent screen use were associated with child screen use and child socio-emotional problems.
Be the change you want to see: practice tech-free times, like during family meals or when playing outside. This will help set the tone for your child and show them that it’s okay to unplug.
Mini-Me Matters suggests a family challenge: can you all go one evening without your devices? Spoiler alert: It’s harder than it sounds, but it’s worth it!
Make Time for Real-Life Play
Screens are great, but nothing beats real-world activities. From outdoor adventures to a family game night, these moments help kids develop crucial social skills and emotional intelligence. So, turn off the devices and make it a Mini-Me tradition to explore the world beyond the screen. Bonus points if it involves a scavenger hunt or arts and crafts challenge!
By setting limits and leading by example, you can help your Mini-Me navigate the digital world in a healthy way. Remember, screens are tools, not babysitters. With a little humor and some structure, you can find the balance that works for your family!
The American Academy of Pediatrics has set out a set of screen time guidelines for different age groups, which include:
- Infant – 2 years: No screen time
- Ages 2 – 4 years: One hour of screen time per day
- Ages 5 – 18 years: Two hours of screen time per day
Now, let’s put down the devices, and let Mini-Me lead the way to some fun, screen-free adventures!
REFERENCES
- Stiglic N, Viner RM. Effects of screentime on the health and well-being of children and adolescents: a systematic review of reviews. BMJ Open 2019;9:e023191. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023191
- Guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep for children under 5 years of age. Geneva: World Health Organization, 2019.
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Media and Young Minds. Pediatrics, 2016;138(5):e20162591.
- Screen Media Overuse and Associated Physical, Cognitive, and Emotional/Behavioral Outcomes in Children and Adolescents: An Integrative Review, Liu, Jianghong et al., Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 2022.
- https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-And-Watching-TV-054.aspx
- Madigan S, McArthur BA, Anhorn C, Eirich R, Christakis DA. Associations Between Screen Use and Child Language Skills: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Pediatr. 2020
- Cost KT, Unternaehrer E, Tsujimoto K, et al. Patterns of parent screen use, child screen time, and child socio-emotional problems at 5 years. J Neuroendocrinol. 2023; 35(7): e13246. doi:10.1111/jne.13246
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