Screen Time
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that kids under age 2 have no screen time, and that kids older than 2 watch no more than 1 to 2 hours a day of quality programming.
Limit the number of TV-watching hours:
- Stock the room in which you have your TV with plenty of other non-screen entertainment (books, kids’ magazines, toys, puzzles, board games, etc.) to encourage kids to do something other than watch the tube.
- Keep TVs and video games out of kids’ bedrooms.
- Turn off the TV during meals.
- Don’t allow your child to watch TV while doing homework.
- Treat TV and video games as a privilege that kids need to earn – not a right that they’re entitled to. Tell them that TV viewing is allowed only after chores and homework are completed.
Set a good example. Limit your own screen time.
Try a screen free week. Turn off all screens and turn on life! Children who spend LESS TIME watching TV and movies, on computers and playing video games are likely to:
- Improve behavior
- Eat healthier
- Be more physically active
- Read more
- Increase creativity
- Get better grades
- Be less aggressive