Tag: Devices

Is too much screen time damaging my kid?

This month’s column in BayState Parent encourages parents to rethink screen time for children.

A recent 60 Minutes segment reports on a landmark study of more than 11,000 kids to gauge the effect screen time is having on their brains. Initial brain scans from the study conclude that children who spend more than seven hours a day on screens experience premature thinning of the cortex. The report also notes that younger children who have more than two hours of screen time a day receive lower scores on tests focused on thinking and language skills.

With devices everywhere now, how can parents place acceptable limits on screen time? Check out my CyberSavvy Mom column for advice.

 

0

Tips for creating a family digital contract

When introducing electronics into a child’s life, appropriate device use doesn’t just happen. Kids need coaching and rules to understand how to use smartphones, tablets and computers in a healthy manner that works for you and your kids.

That’s where a digital contract comes in to help. It is an agreement between you and your child/children on what is considered appropriate electronic use in your home. Details will vary by family, but could include, for example, amount of time on the computer, iPad or iPhones, allowable Websites and apps, allowable locations for using devices.

Please read this guidance for creating a digital contract for your family in this story on BayState Parent.

0

Talking to kids about device use

Technology is a constant in many kids’ lives today, and that presents both gifts and challenges. We all want our kids to be healthy, stay active and refrain from too much device use. How can you engage in a conversation with your kids and get their attention?

Author Laurie Work says drop the nagging, and engage in a conversation about the risks of device overuse. Explain to them the “why” in the importance of getting space from devices.

Read more about Wolk’s advice for developing rules and roadmaps for device use in this BayState Parent article.

0

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑