by Jenna Glover, PhD, Child And Adolescent Clinical Psychologist At Children’s Hospital Colorado
Children are constantly surrounded by media and technology — from TV and cell phones, to tablets, computers, and video games. Technology and media are very much intertwined with our daily lives — so much that it can be difficult to find a balance between the real world and the digital one.
That’s why it’s important for families to balance their use of media and technology with daily family responsibilities and other important healthy activities. Too much technology use can keep children from getting the study time, face-to-face communication, hands-on play, physical activity, and sleep they need.
However, technology can be used to promote physical activity, educate kids and reinforce important skills. Because technology is so deeply ingrained into a modern child’s life, using these same innovative tools to motivate and educate can be more impactful.
Be a good role model by limiting your own media use. This will also help you be more available for your children to interact and communicate with them.
For children under 2 years of age, play and interact with your child. Avoid screen time except for video chatting with family and friends.
For older children, take an active role in your child’s use of media by watching programs with them and taking time to discuss the program and your family’s values. Choose media that is educational and teaches good values. Be firm about only allowing your child to use and watch media that is appropriate for their age.
Other great things to keep in mind are: Keep computers in a public part of your home so you can check on what your kids are doing online and keep them safe; create tech-free zones in your home; do not allow screens in kids’ bedrooms; and turn off the TV and put cell phones away during mealtimes.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends creating a family media plan that helps families balance important daily activities with media use. Families can use it to prioritize time for homework, exercise, sleep, face-to-face communication, family time, and downtime within their daily routine. Time for media use is then incorporated into the day in a way that does not displace other important daily activities.
To learn more about kids and mental health from Children’s Hospital Colorado experts, sign up for a session hosted during Flex Your Family Fun in April at the YMCA of Metro Denver. To learn more, visit https: //www.denverymca.org/programs/youth-programs/flex-your-family-fun.
Adapted from the Children and Technology article that originally was published by Children’s Hospital Colorado.