Screen Time for Kids: 5 Ways for Parents to Manage Technology at Home

Different ways parents can think about the role of technology in their kids' childhood

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How reliant are your children on their digital devices? How much time do they spend staring at screens?

For years, experts have been warning parents about the dangers of “screen time” to their kids. Most recently, attention has shifted away from a fear of too much television to fear of too much time on digital devices of any kind.

Of the many potential dangers of too much screen time, studies have pointed to obesity, eating disorders, sleep disorders, attention disorders, poor performance in school, a lack of empathy, poor social skills, depression, anxiety, and the list goes on.

Despite the warnings, most studies show that kids are spending an average of 7 hours per day on electronic devices. Yes, 7—a day. Some studies show more.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has laid out official recommendations for parents to manage their kids’ screen time: No more than one or two hours per day for children and teens; no screen time at all for under 2-year-olds.

The AAP’s recommendations go well beyond that, actually, with further ideas for parents to guide them toward a more reasonable relationship with technology. They include choosing “high quality content” and allowing for plenty of free play and outdoor time.

There are some who don’t believe that any media exposure is necessary or appropriate for children. Waldorf Schools, for example, recommend the elimination of television and computer time for their students. Think that idea sounds extreme? This video from the Marin Waldorf School in San Rafael, CA offers some serious food for thought and is worth watching. “You’re getting into really dangerous water when you start talking about people’s screens,” Kim John Payne, M. ED. begins.

If you are concerned about the role screens are playing in your kids’ childhood, but you’re not ready to jump ship just yet, here are some simple recommendations:

Check your own screen behaviors. 

How often are you looking at your phone each day? Are you paying attention to your devices when you really should be paying attention to your family? Children model what you show them and get the message that they come second to your gadgets if priorities aren’t kept in check. Designate time each day where you yourself are screen free.