Melbourne: When should screens be given to children, for how long should they be allowed to be used and how much distance is necessary from the screen before sleeping? Parents constantly receive different advice regarding such questions. According to a new research, sometimes contradictory advice given regarding children's screen use can increase stress and confusion among parents.
According to research, the discussion about children's screen use is no longer limited to just their age and duration of screen time. This also includes when, how and what type of content children are using the screen.
Advice changed regarding screen time
For many years, parents were advised to keep children away from screens until they were two years old and then limit screen time to two hours a day. However, such advice has also been criticized. Experts say that all children and different ways of using screens cannot be seen from the same perspective. Additionally, it is important to take into account some of the positive aspects of screens including activities such as sports and social interaction.
The research analyzed public discussions regarding children from birth to eight years and their screen use. For this, official guidelines, social media content, Australian news, online articles and promotion of goods and services related to children were studied. Apart from this, by talking to 34 parents, an attempt was made to understand what kind of advice they get and what effect it has on them.
Not just screen time, content and method are also important
Research has found that parents are now advised not to allow children to use screens during meal times and before bedtime. Also, it is advised to avoid keeping the screen on in the background during other activities and showing slow-motion content to children.
Parents are also asked to sit with their children and watch the programs instead of letting them watch the screen alone. During this, they are advised to explain things, sing along and ask questions in between.
Pressure and guilt on parents may increase
According to research, these recommendations are aimed at ensuring better screen usage for children, but may also put additional pressure on parents. On one hand, they are told that screens can be used limitedly, while on the other hand, they are warned about the possible negative impact of screens on brain development and physical activity.
Choosing the right content for children can also become a challenge for parents. For example, they are advised to choose less stimulating content rather than more stimulating programs. But it is not always easy to decide in which category a program should be placed.
This way, instead of just monitoring screen time, parents have to find time to select content and sit with their children to watch the program. According to research, this can make some parents feel tired and guilty.
One rule is not right for every child and family
The research suggests that the same screen time advice cannot be applied to all families. Every child's preferences and behavior are different, and families' lifestyles and circumstances are also different.
For example, some lonely parents may find it relieving to allow their child to spend some time alone watching programs. According to the researcher, there is no one right way to use the screen.
The research used the example of two families with young children of approximately the same age. One family did not allow TV to be watched in the morning, while in another family TV was watched only in the morning. After trying different methods, both the families decided on a suitable arrangement for themselves.
Pay attention to child's behavior and balance
According to research, parents should pay attention to how screen viewing affects their child's behavior and whether there is enough time left for sports and other important activities despite the screens.
Researchers say that instead of blindly following the rules related to screen use, it is more important to understand whether the child is playing properly, learning and happy with and without the screen.
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