- posted: Jan. 12, 2024
Parenting in the Digital age is challenging. Screen time can be educational, but how much is too much? The pediatricians at Valley Pediatrics Associates in Owings Mills, MD, can help parents to manage and balance your child’s digital media use.
How Digital Media Can Affect Your Child
Too much screen time can increase the risks of your child developing:
- Sleep issues like difficulty falling asleep & more waking up
- Reduced language development & lower reading scores
- More aggressive behaviors & poor social interactions
- Poor performance in school
- Obesity & poor physical fitness
How Much Is Too Much
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics children ages 2 to 5, should be limited to 1 hour of high-quality programs per day. Check out Common Sense Media for reviews about age-appropriate apps, games, and programs to guide you in making the best choices for your children. For children ages 6 and older, the building of healthy habits without screen time should be stressed. Be aware of your child’s on-line activities including social media. Make sure screen time does not interfere with sleep, physical activity or socialization. Encourage at least 1 hour of physical activity each day.
Screen time adds up faster than you think. To help limit screen time:
- No screens during meals or TV on in the background
- Keep ALL screens out of your child’s bedroom
- Set a curfew of no screen time at least one hour before bed
- No screens until all homework is complete.
You should carefully monitor what your child is watching. Avoid violent content including violent cartoons for younger children. If possible, watch with your child and talk about what you are watching.
During your child’s regular well-child visits, your pediatrician at Valley Pediatrics can discuss your child’s screen time and help you make constructive choices about your child’s viewing habits. You want your child to thrive and enjoy a happy, productive life. Limiting screen time can help.
Want To Know More?
To find out more about balancing your child’s use of digital media and other pediatric topics, call the pediatricians at Valley Pediatrics Associates in Owings Mills, MD. You can reach them in the office by calling (410) 902-7710.
- posted: Jan. 12, 2024
Parenting in the Digital age is challenging. Screen time can be educational, but how much is too much? The pediatricians at Valley Pediatrics Associates in Owings Mills, MD, can help parents to manage and balance your child’s digital media use.
How Digital Media Can Affect Your Child
Too much screen time can increase the risks of your child developing:
- Sleep issues like difficulty falling asleep & more waking up
- Reduced language development & lower reading scores
- More aggressive behaviors & poor social interactions
- Poor performance in school
- Obesity & poor physical fitness
How Much Is Too Much
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics children ages 2 to 5, should be limited to 1 hour of high-quality programs per day. Check out Common Sense Media for reviews about age-appropriate apps, games, and programs to guide you in making the best choices for your children. For children ages 6 and older, the building of healthy habits without screen time should be stressed. Be aware of your child’s on-line activities including social media. Make sure screen time does not interfere with sleep, physical activity or socialization. Encourage at least 1 hour of physical activity each day.
Screen time adds up faster than you think. To help limit screen time:
- No screens during meals or TV on in the background
- Keep ALL screens out of your child’s bedroom
- Set a curfew of no screen time at least one hour before bed
- No screens until all homework is complete.
You should carefully monitor what your child is watching. Avoid violent content including violent cartoons for younger children. If possible, watch with your child and talk about what you are watching.
During your child’s regular well-child visits, your pediatrician at Valley Pediatrics can discuss your child’s screen time and help you make constructive choices about your child’s viewing habits. You want your child to thrive and enjoy a happy, productive life. Limiting screen time can help.
Want To Know More?
To find out more about balancing your child’s use of digital media and other pediatric topics, call the pediatricians at Valley Pediatrics Associates in Owings Mills, MD. You can reach them in the office by calling (410) 902-7710.