Screen time for children.

  How much screen time should a kid have per day?

For children aged 2-5 years of age*, sitting and watching television, and using other electronic media (DVDs, computer and other electronic games) should be no more than one hour per day. For children/young people aged 5-17 years**, limit sedentary recreational screen time to no more than 2 hours per day.

• What do children say about their digital use?

The positive role of the internet: Young people recognise the positive role of the internet in relation to self-expression, developing understanding, bringing people together and respecting and celebrating differences. 47% of young people use technology to support and promote respect and kindness (e.g., liking or sharing someone else’s post, posting supportive comments and signing an online petition).’

• What are children were doing online?

Ofcom stats of what they are doing – children are doing different things when they are in front of a screen: 96% watch TV for 15 hours a week 40% play games on a screen for 6 hours a week 53% go online for 8 hours a week 48% watch YouTube

• Top Tips for Limiting Screen Time:

Of course it will be hard to limit screen time, especially if your children are used to having more than you wish to allow. But here are some tips to help. Involve children in the rule-setting: It will be easier if children understand why the rules have been set, and have participated in the setting. Allow them to negotiate within an overall framework: they may, for example, prefer to have more screen time at weekends, and less during the week, with an overall weekly limit, rather than the same allowance each day. Set rules but allow some flexibility: It may be easier if you allow your children to negotiate even within the rules. For example, if they have a friend round, they may want a bit longer to play a game together that day, resulting in less screen time the next day. Or you may say that they can have a bit longer if they first spend some time outside in the garden. Abide by the rules yourself: It is no good expecting your children to do without screens at mealtimes if you are still firmly glued to your phone. Make mealtimes a family activity, and have designated no-technology zones that you, too, abide by. This should include bedrooms. Remember: you are a role model for your children, and you need to act appropriately.

Conclusion:

 Although there are many reasons why technologies are bad,  they  are actually a  great beneficial aspect that is apart of this century. Screen time is absolutely, undeniably a profitable thing in this era. It is a great prosperity to our health. 

Children need to be guided and supported to develop healthy screen time habits and uses. A positive role model, as with any other form of learning, is vital.