I just read this article from Pew Research about how parents manage kids devices.
Most parents (like me) feel we could be doing a better job at managing screen time for kids. What are you doing that has been helpful? We have a few set rules at home like screen-free time at dinner, no deleting messages (parents can see them at any time). The biggest challenge is knowing what's going on when they're not at home or with friends. I don't need to know everything going on, but it would be nice to have some idea of general things to be aware of. Anything that has helped you?
I also saw that Pew Research study, and it's crazy how much time kids spend online. Maybe talking about what your kids do when they're hanging out with friends could help. If the answer is "just played on our phones," I'd share alternate ideas.
I know in my sister's house they have a rule for kids to turn in their phone before they go to bed so at least they aren't doing late night screen time but it doesn't solve for the rest of the day. But maybe these other ideas could help her and other parents take things a step further.
It seems like we have do things to model good screen time behavior ourselves and be sure to vocalize to our kids what we are doing if we do I think that helps them take notice of the choices we make and normalize people self regulating their screen use.
One other thought, I wonder if a good habit might be after events it might be good to share with each other examples of healthy and unhealthy tech use that everyone noticed at the event. This raises awareness and would help kids to learn and self regulate as well.
This makes me think about how screens can be our babysitters. I'm definitely guilty of using the TV or a tablet to distract my son, especially when he was younger. That may not have been the best idea 😅
What are your thoughts on educational programming? Is it acceptable to use devices to occupy your kid if they're watching something they can learn from? In the past I've felt better about him watching TV or using the iPad when he has educational things to watch, but the article is making me rethink that.
Crazy that the YouTube usage is 85%!!! 😳 YouTube isn't really safe for kids because the algorithm can serve up content that is not appropriate. 62% of kids under the age of 2 watch YouTube. That's just crazy to me. Even YouTube kids can show questionable content.
Interesting article! Thanks for sharing!
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