Is your children's screen time making them competitive, or rotting their brain? Does it keep them quiet, or teach them new skills? When it comes to screen time, today's parents have a lot to consider. Check out this list of Tech Tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
1. Make a family media use plan by going to healthychildren.org/MediaUsePlan.
2. Set limits.
3. Make unplugged playtime a daily priority.
4. Co-view, co-play and co-engage with your children when they are using screens.
5. Don't just monitor. Interact.
6. Be a good role model.
7. Use face-to-face communication with active listening.
8. Avoid digital media for toddlers, other than video chats with loved ones. Ages 2-5 can use up to one hour of high-quality screen time, when reinforced with interaction and repetition in the real world.
9. Maintain tech-free zones, such as family mealtimes or bedrooms.
10. Teach your kids about privacy and the dangers of online predators. Remind older children that anything they share becomes a part of their permanent digital footprint.
11. Handle mistakes using media with empathy and create a teachable moment.