Summer is in full swing, and for many kids, that means more screen time and parents asking “How much screen time should my child have?
As a pediatrician in Colleyville, TX, I see firsthand the impact that too much screen time can have on children’s health. That’s why I’m writing this blog to help parents set appropriate limits on their child’s screen time this summer.
The Problem with Too Much Screen Time
Too much screen time can lead to a number of health problems for children, including:
- Weight gain: Studies have shown that children who spend more time watching TV are more likely to experience weight gain.
- Sleep problems: The blue light emitted from screens can interfere with sleep, making it harder for children to fall asleep and stay asleep.
- Vision problems: Too much screen time can lead to eye strain, headaches, and other vision problems.
- Social and emotional problems: Children who spend too much time on screens may have problems interacting with others and developing social skills. They may also be more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.
- Addiction: Screen addiction is a real problem, and it can have a serious impact on children’s lives. Children who are addicted to screens may have difficulty paying attention in school, and they may also be more likely to engage in risky behaviors.
How to Limit Screen Time
There are a number of things parents can do to limit their child’s screen time this summer. Here are a few tips:
- Set limits: Talk to your child about how much screen time is appropriate for their age. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under the age of 2 should have no screen time at all and that older children should have no more than 2 hours of screen time per day.
- Be a role model: Children learn by watching the adults in their lives. If you want your child to limit their screen time, then you need to limit your own screen time.
- Find other activities: There are a number of fun and healthy activities that children can do instead of spending time on screens. These activities include playing outside, reading, doing arts and crafts, and spending time with family and friends.
- Use parental controls: Most devices have parental controls that allow you to limit screen time and block certain websites and apps.
- Talk to your child’s doctor: If you’re concerned about your child’s screen time, talk to their doctor. They can help you develop a plan to limit screen time and promote healthy habits.
Summer is a great time to limit screen time and encourage your child to get outside and be active. By following these tips, you can help your child stay healthy and have a fun summer.
Additional Tips
- Make a family screen time plan. Sit down with your children and discuss how much screen time they will be allowed each day. This plan should be flexible and can be adjusted as needed.
- Set screen-free times. There are certain times of the day when screens should be off-limits, such as during mealtimes, at bedtime, and on weekends.
- Encourage other activities. Make sure your children have plenty of other activities to do besides watching TV or playing video games. This could include playing outside, reading, doing arts and crafts, or spending time with family and friends.
- Be a role model. Children learn by watching the adults in their lives. If you want your children to limit their screen time, then you need to limit your own screen time as well.
It is important to note that not all screen time is bad. There are some educational and interactive apps and games that can be beneficial for children. However, it is important to limit screen time overall and to make sure that children are getting plenty of other activities, such as playing outside, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
As a parent myself, I completely understand what a challenge this can be. The summer is especially challenging while kids have endless amounts of free time, and parents need to work, exercise or just have a few moments to themselves.
Limiting screen time can be challenging, but it is important for the health and well-being of your children. By following these tips, you can help your children have a fun and healthy summer.
© 127 Pediatrics; June 2023
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice.
Dr. Andrea Wadley is the owner, pediatrician, and breastfeeding medicine specialist for 127 Pediatrics. She has an established house-calls-only concierge pediatric practice in Colleyville, TX. She is also the owner and operator of the 127 Pediatrics Online Breastfeeding Medicine and Education Center.
