Some parents are rethinking their reliance on screens for young kids. The Sidders, who gave their 6-month-old daughter Scarlett a phone to calm her down, soon realized it wasn’t the solution they thought it was. Now, at 16 months old, Scarlett spends more time engaging with family members and less screen time.
Experts warn that excessive screen use can delay social-emotional development, verbal skills, and expressive abilities in children under 4 years old. Jane Suyunov, a licensed school psychologist, recommends limiting daily screen time to just 15 minutes for educational content, like singing ABCs. The American Academy of Pediatrics also suggests “very limited” screen media for children under 18 months.
The Sidders say they’ve noticed a positive change since taking away Scarlett’s screens. They claim she’s happier, talks more, and is more vocal. By re-evaluating their approach to screen time, parents may be giving their kids the best chance at healthy development and a happy childhood.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/screen-time-young-children