Don't Let Media Be a Digital Pacifier
- posted: Jan. 29, 2024
Advancements in technology affect the way that many of us spend our time. Almost everyone has a smart device (i.e. iPad, tablet, TV, smartphone). We often use it as a way to keep children occupied. Studies have shown that excessive screen time usage can lead to delayed social-emotional development, delayed verbal development, short attention span, and behavioral concerns.
It is important that children have enough social interaction with caregivers or peers in order to develop strong language and social skills. Children learn these skills best when caregivers are there to help “scaffold” their learning. This means it is important to guide and build on the skills they already possess by asking them questions about what they learned or how they feel. When doing so, talk with your child in a normal tone rather than using your “baby voice” or “baby talk”.
There are some educational videos that children can watch, but as a parent you should always view the content that your child is watching. To encourage positive media use, talk with your child about what is appropriate. Many streaming services offer a way for parents to block inappropriate or age-restricted content. Children who use social media platforms (ex: Instagram, Snapchat, or Tiktok) should be reminded that once something is shared online, it is there forever. Deleting something off the internet isn’t 100% guaranteed. So, keeping a clean digital footprint is important for their safety and future.
It is important to be aware of not only the content that is posted but also the way your child behaves online. A survey conducted by TeenLink Hawaii found that “1 in 6 Hawaii high school students said they had been bullied online or via text messages”. Of course, no parent wants their child to be a victim of cyberbullying, but it is also important to communicate with your child to ensure that they are not being a bully themselves.
There will be a point in a child’s life where they are exposed to media that has not been approved of or does not have parental controls. Violence, drugs, alcohol, self-harm, and nudity are all examples of risky behavior which could be caused by increased social media usage. Also, children may be confused on what they witness on media or feel the need to mimic on-screen behaviors. Children often like to spend their free-time playing video games. This can be problematic as they may develop more desire for online relationships rather than real life relationships.
In addition, behavioral concerns are an issue because it was found that increased screentime can lead to decreased attention spans. In today’s day and age, social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube create short videos to keep the attention of individuals by creating content that provides instant gratification. Don’t let media become a digital pacifier! Here are some ways that you can help your child build healthy screen-time habits.
Helpful Tips:
- Avoid use of blue light emitting devices 1-2 hours before bed time
- Plan media-free times and locations where media should not be used (example: during meals)
- Set a good example by limiting your own screen-time and consuming positive media that is free of violence, nudity, self-harm, etc.
- Encourage and engage in spending time outdoors with your child
Resources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/screen-time/art-20047952
https://www.sharp.com/health-news/6-tips-for-building-healthy-screen-time-habits
- posted: Jan. 29, 2024
Advancements in technology affect the way that many of us spend our time. Almost everyone has a smart device (i.e. iPad, tablet, TV, smartphone). We often use it as a way to keep children occupied. Studies have shown that excessive screen time usage can lead to delayed social-emotional development, delayed verbal development, short attention span, and behavioral concerns.
It is important that children have enough social interaction with caregivers or peers in order to develop strong language and social skills. Children learn these skills best when caregivers are there to help “scaffold” their learning. This means it is important to guide and build on the skills they already possess by asking them questions about what they learned or how they feel. When doing so, talk with your child in a normal tone rather than using your “baby voice” or “baby talk”.
There are some educational videos that children can watch, but as a parent you should always view the content that your child is watching. To encourage positive media use, talk with your child about what is appropriate. Many streaming services offer a way for parents to block inappropriate or age-restricted content. Children who use social media platforms (ex: Instagram, Snapchat, or Tiktok) should be reminded that once something is shared online, it is there forever. Deleting something off the internet isn’t 100% guaranteed. So, keeping a clean digital footprint is important for their safety and future.
It is important to be aware of not only the content that is posted but also the way your child behaves online. A survey conducted by TeenLink Hawaii found that “1 in 6 Hawaii high school students said they had been bullied online or via text messages”. Of course, no parent wants their child to be a victim of cyberbullying, but it is also important to communicate with your child to ensure that they are not being a bully themselves.
There will be a point in a child’s life where they are exposed to media that has not been approved of or does not have parental controls. Violence, drugs, alcohol, self-harm, and nudity are all examples of risky behavior which could be caused by increased social media usage. Also, children may be confused on what they witness on media or feel the need to mimic on-screen behaviors. Children often like to spend their free-time playing video games. This can be problematic as they may develop more desire for online relationships rather than real life relationships.
In addition, behavioral concerns are an issue because it was found that increased screentime can lead to decreased attention spans. In today’s day and age, social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube create short videos to keep the attention of individuals by creating content that provides instant gratification. Don’t let media become a digital pacifier! Here are some ways that you can help your child build healthy screen-time habits.
Helpful Tips:
- Avoid use of blue light emitting devices 1-2 hours before bed time
- Plan media-free times and locations where media should not be used (example: during meals)
- Set a good example by limiting your own screen-time and consuming positive media that is free of violence, nudity, self-harm, etc.
- Encourage and engage in spending time outdoors with your child
Resources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/screen-time/art-20047952
https://www.sharp.com/health-news/6-tips-for-building-healthy-screen-time-habits
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