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Schools in many parts of the country have started providing and using laptops and iPads as early as elementary school. There is no doubt that these devices can have a positive impact on a child's learning experience. A child can benefit greatly by listening to music and engaging in structured learning activities on electronic media. It is the unstructured play and use of screens that must be monitored.
Developing rules for screen time are helpful in preventing overuse of electronic media. Ensuring positive screen quality use is just as important as reducing screen quantity. Research at Mayo Clinic has found that children engaging in excessive poor quality screen use may experience the following:
- Obesity
- Irregular sleep schedules and shorter duration of sleep
- Behavioral problems
- Loss of social skills
- Violence
- Less time for play
Experts shared these helpful tips in developing quality, structured screen time:
- Preview programs, games and apps before allowing your child to view or play with them.
- Seek out interactive options that engage your child, rather than those that just require pushing and swiping or staring at the screen.
- Use parental controls to block or filter internet content.
- Play a video game or explore a new app with your child.