April: Screen Time for Preschoolers

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April: Screen Time for Preschoolers
This is a hot topic in the field of education right now. How much time is too much screen time? Does the age of the child determined the appropriate amount? Once the amount is determined,  what counts as screen time? Face time with grandma and grandpa? Homework? Television programs? Educational apps? There are so many “dos and don'ts” when it comes to determining screen time where do parents being?
CNN recently posted an online article on this very topic. The article opens with referring to the American Academy of Pediatrics conference this year hosted presenters on topics of screen time, social media, and cyberbullying. “Previously the Academy set a general screen time limit: no more than two hours in front of the TV for kids over age 2. Today, in a world surrounded by digital media 24/7, defining screen time is difficult.” (CNN 2018). The article goes on to discuss that defining how much screen time is appropriate for every child cannot be a blanket statement. Not every child is the same so for some, two hours may be too much.” AAP identifies screen time as time spent using digital media for entertainment purposes. Other uses of media, such as online homework, don't count as screen time.” (CNN 2018).
Some healthy tips for parents to use at home are to first be aware that you are setting the example to your child when it comes to digital media usage. Model the behavior you want them to use. Try putting your phone down when speaking to your child, be engaged and make eye contact. Try turning off the television or radio during family times likes meals at the table. Set boundaries on when and where media usage is appropriate at home.


https://www.cnn.com/2016/10/21/health/screen-time-media-rules-children-aap/index.html

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