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Children’s use of technology and social media has become a focus for modern-day parents. What is an appropriate amount of screen time and how should it be monitored? How does use of technology impact children?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children and teens generally have no more than one to two hours of screen time – including television, computers, and video games – per day. For toddlers, the thinking continues to evolve – originally it was recommended that children have no screen time until age 2, but there is now more flexible thinking regarding interactive media such as Skype and FaceTime. Limited screen time is associated with a variety of long-term health benefits, including stronger language skills, more opportunities to engage socially, and lower rates of obesity. In fact, studies have shown that children may eat less healthy foods and find it difficult to attend to satiety cues when they eat while watching TV leading to larger portions, both which can also lead to obesity.
As a child psychologist, I encourage parents to follow the tips below to ensure kids learn how to safely and smartly use the technology around them:
- Structure the use of technology. Since most children and teens are highly motivated by use of the iPad, cellphone, or computer, earning screen time can be a highly effective way to help children practice positive behaviors—completing homework, chores, or morning and night routines. Since immediate rewards work best in helping children make behavior changes, awarding a child screen time daily or points towards weekend screen time can be motivating.
- Ensure proper supervision to build trust and responsibility. When introducing more opportunities for screen time—like buying children their first phone or iPad—parents have the best results when children build up to earning more time and independence.
- Manage the use of screen time. Using the computer for homework can make it difficult for parents to manage screen time. Many students find themselves switching between researching for a paper and chatting with friends, and ample research shows that multitasking actually leads to less effectiveness and efficiency because it reduces the brains opportunity to think deeply about one thing. Children and teens are likely to need help with planning out their homework schedules and building in breaks to surf or chat with peers.
- Socialize properly with technology. Spending too much time on screens decreases opportunities for face-to-face social interactions, leaving with fewer opportunities to read facial expressions and cues, or to practice responding verbally and immediately in conversation. Skype and FaceTime can actually help here. Good social skills are obviously critical for friendships, relationships, and skills like interviewing for schools and jobs.
As with everything, there’s a balance and parents need to decide what is best for their child(ren), and children and teens can build life skills using technology—good decision making, estimating and managing time, rewarding oneself after work is complete, and connecting to the larger world.
Kirsten Cullen Sharma, PsyD, is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at NYU Langone’s Child Study Center. She is also the Co-Director of Early Childhood Clinical Service and a Clinical Neuropsychologist at the Institute for Learning and Academic Achievement.
Dr. Cullen Sharma has expertise in cognitive behavioral therapy for children who have co-morbid learning or attention difficulties and emotional or behavioral difficulties, and parent-focused therapy. She emphasizes consistency in use of evidence-based interventions that help children succeed at home and at school.
Dr. Cullen Sharma is a member of the American Psychological Association. She has published in scholarly journals and presented at local, national, and international conferences. She frequently participates in media interviews; these have included The Wall Street Journal, TODAY, NY1, and NY Parenting Magazine.
