How Much Screen Time is Too Much?
How much screen time is too much screen time? If this isn’t the question of the year (or the century), I don’t know what is. Although the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limited screen use for children under two years old and no more than 1 hour per day for children two to five years old, it feels nearly impossible to adhere to these limits in the face of e-learning and social distancing.
So, how do we know where to draw the line?
Limiting screen time is often talked about in terms of quantity. While managing the time children (and adults) spend on screens is important, not all screens are the same. Some electronics require full “active attention" – think videochat. Others allow for “passive attention" – think Netflix and videogames. With excessive use, "passive attention" electronic activities are shown to shorten attention spans. And passively scrolling through social media is connected to decreased happiness in teens.
Rather than parent-shaming yourself for struggling with screen limits, here are 6 practical steps you can take toward creating the home environment you want: S-T-R-E-A-M It.
Stop.
Take a step back.
Recognize that you are not alone.
Examine how you and your children are using electronics.
Ask yourself the following questions - and see if it leads to new ideas and insights!
Are there ways to make electronics more interactive with the people around me or my child? (active vs. passive attention)
Are there tech-free zones in our home?
Can I (we) model better electronic limits?
Are there opportunities for me to interrupt my child’s electronics time to take a walk, do art, or engage in other mental breaks?
Make a Family Screen Time Plan, based on your answers.
If making a plan and shifting the family narrative on electronics leads to excessive distress or emotional dysregulation, reach out for support. Electronics are built to be compelling and difficult to stop! Remember, you are not alone, and we are here to help.
For more information on building a Family Screen Time Plan with the help of a therapist, reach out to us at Mind Chicago at hello@mindchicago.com.
