Over the past few years technology has evolved and more kids than ever have access to more than just a television or home computer. Children as young as one and two are playing with tablets and phones. Preschoolers are learning their colors and letters from laptops and iPads. Video games and social media are a regular part of many kids’ lives.
The parents of these kids are the first parents to have to set guidelines for technology and kids. Our kids are the first generation that has always had the internet. They are digital natives and have spent most of their lives surrounded by technology. There has been a push for education to adapt to the changes in technology for these kids.
The “experts” are also trying to establish guidelines for screen times and kids. In the last few years the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has said no screen time for kids under the age of two and suggest one to two hours max for other children. Many parents find this recommendation laughable. Kids have computer class at school, they watch educational videos during class, they play video games, connect with their friends on social media, and watch TV after school. Is two hours really reasonable?
The AAP recently reevaluated their recommendations. “We don’t want to risk appearing so out of touch that we’re irrelevant and people won’t take our advice seriously,” says Dimitri Christakis, a pediatrician on the AAP Council on Communication and Media. Many experts are switching from no screen time to “mindful screen time.” The idea is that children can learn from devices, but too much can be a problem.
Parents, we’re in this together. Obviously, there is not one right answer and there is a lot of information from a lot of different sources. How do you decide how much screen time is appropriate? Who do you take advice from? Do your kids have their own devices?
