As smartphones, tablets, and laptops become increasingly common in households, even babies and toddlers are gravitating towards screens. To combat this trend, the American Academy of Pediatrics has established age-specific guidelines for screen time and healthy media use habits.
The benefits of limiting screen time for young children are clear. Excessive screen time can lead to weight gain, obesity, and developmental delays in speech, motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and behavior. According to pediatric experts, reducing screen time frees up time for family activities and removes unhealthy food cues.
Here’s a breakdown of the AAP’s recommended screen time guidelines:
* For children under 18 months: Limit screen time to video chatting with a parent or caregiver present.
* For toddlers aged 18-24 months: Introduce high-quality, age-appropriate programming while co-viewing with your child.
* For children aged 2-5 years old: Limit daily screen time to one hour and choose interactive, non-violent media.
* For children aged 6 and older: Limit daily screen time to two hours and place consistent limits on time and media type.
Pediatric experts stress the importance of face-to-face interactions for children’s development. By limiting screen time, parents can help their kids develop social skills, build language, and improve emotional recognition.
To implement these guidelines, try these tips:
Visit intermountainhealth.org for more information on raising healthy kids and finding a pediatrician.
Source: https://kutv.com/features/health/baby-your-baby/baby-your-baby-screen-time-guidelines-to-help-kids-sleep-and-learn-better