The American Academy of Pediatrics’ website HealthyChildren.org outlines healthy digital media use for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. All forms of media, including TV, computers, tablets and smart phones can affect how children feel, learn, think and behave, but it’s important to remember that “parents are still the more important influence.”
Overuse of digital media can put children at risk for a number of negative outcomes, including delays in learning and social skills, behavior problems, lack of sleep that’s essential to healthy growth, and obesity.
The group offers tips for parents, families and caregivers. Among them:
- Don’t feel pressured to introduce technology too early.
- Monitor children’s media, including testing apps before children use them.
- Avoid exposure to devices or screens one hour before bedtime.
- Avoid using media as the only way to calm your children.
See HealthyChildren.org for more media use guidelines and tips, and to see a breakdown of acceptable screen time and viewing by age group starting at birth, along with suggestions for reading digital books with kids.
