Balancing Screen Time: How Technology Affects Children

Monday, September 30, 2024

As technology progresses, so does our attachment to it. To raise awareness of the effects this technology use can have on our health, we’re excited to share a blog series discussing this topic. This blog is the latest installment in that series, but review our other blogs if you’d like to learn about how technology affects our nutrition, posture, and brains.

Children are using technology more and more each year. While these devices offer educational content and entertainment, excessive use can lead to chronic negative side effects on their developing bodies and minds.

“Technology has transformed the way we live, and this impact is especially evident in how children grow and interact with the world,” SouthCoast Health Pediatrician, Dr. William Webb explained. “While some apps are excellent tools for educating our children in ways that we cannot, there's also a downside. The distraction from devices can hinder children's learning and development compared to past generations.”

Smart devices are increasingly becoming an integral part of children's lives, influencing their development and daily routines. Check out our guidelines below for navigating screen time for your child.

Potential Negative Effects

While technology offers many benefits, it's crucial to be aware of the potential negative impacts it can have on children's development and well-being. Excessive use can lead to negative consequences including the following:

Sleep Disruption: Blue light from screens can interfere with sleep patterns, leading to inadequate rest.
Reduced Physical Activity: Increased screen time often replaces active play, contributing to a sedentary lifestyle and related health issues.
Social Impact: Overreliance on digital interaction may hinder the development of essential social skills in face-to-face settings.

American Academy of Pediatrics Media Use Recommendations by Age

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides guidelines to help parents manage their children's screen time based on their developmental stages. Here are a few pointers for your child’s developmental milestones:

Under 18 Months: Discourage screen time, except for video chatting. Parents should co-view if any media is introduced.
18 to 24 Months: If introducing media, choose high-quality programming/apps, and always co-view to help children understand what they’re seeing.
2 to 5 Years: Limit screen time to 1 hour per day of high-quality programming. Co-viewing is still recommended to help children make connections between the content and the real world.
6 Years and Older: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it doesn’t interfere with sleep, physical activity, and other essential behaviors. Encourage ongoing communication about online safety and the importance of balance.

Tips for Managing Smart Device Use

While smart devices can be beneficial when used appropriately, it's crucial for parents to manage their children's media use to support healthy development. By setting boundaries and encouraging diverse activities, families can maximize the benefits of technology while minimizing its risks. To help your child use technology more responsibly and maintain a healthy balance, consider these strategies:

Set Time Limits: Establish daily screen time limits appropriate for your child's age. Encourage Alternative Activities: Promote physical play, reading, and other non-screen-related activities.
Create Device-Free Zones: Designate areas like the dining room and bedrooms as screen-free zones to encourage family interaction and better sleep.
Limit Screen Time Before Bed: The blue light from the screen can affect their sleep cycles.
Communication on Potential Issue: If they’re upset about lack of technology use, explain the problems they may encounter later down the road.
Encourage More Social Interaction: Schedule more play dates with friends and suggest they do things together aside from playing on their phones or computer.
Lead by Example: Try to limit your own time spent on technology and encourage them to play outside by going right out there with them.

If you have additional questions or concerns about how technology is affecting your child, give us a call at 912-691-3600 or visit us online to schedule an appointment to meet with a member of our pediatrics team.

Whether you are looking for a primary care doctor or a pediatrician, or another medical specialist, SouthCoast Health has you covered with its wide range of world-class healthcare services, available throughout the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry. SouthCoast Health has 120 physicians and medical professionals in 18 locations in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Baxley, Hilton Head, Hinesville, and Statesboro. SouthCoast Health offers comprehensive medical services including: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Allergy and Asthma, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Eye Care, Imaging, Infectious Diseases, Nephrology, Neurology, Physical Therapy, Podiatry, Surgery, Clinical Trial Research Studies, Diabetic Self-Management Training Sessions, Dietetic Counseling, Laboratory Services, Massage Therapy, Optical Shop, Pharmacy, and Urgent Care.