Pretty much everyone admits they probably spend to much time at home in front of their TV. computer, tablet or phone. So here’s a summertime challenge! Increase your active participation in play and parenting by UNPLUGGING FROM YOUR ELECTRONICS! I’ve noticed too many parents constantly tuned into their own electronic devices (Candy Crush, anyone?) or using electronics as a babysitter for their children easily keeping them quiet and occupied…until you try to take it away, then it’s Meltdown City!
Did you know since 1998 the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended 2 hours (or LESS) of screen time per day for school aged children? Infants and toddlers (under age 2) should not be spending ANY time in front of screens (television, movies, video games, iPad, etc.)! Why? Young children do not have symbolism in order to understand the picture on the screen is a representation of a real person or object. They do not have the ability to learn from the language (tone of voice, inflection, etc), body language, and fast paced auditory and visual input that is glowing on the screen. In fact, there are concerns that television actually rewires the brain through over-stimulation! It is important to remember that many children may be much older than age 2 before symbolism is reached (especially children with Autism Spectrum Disorder). Despite these recommendations, very young children are constantly the focus of many marketing schemes (Baby Einstein, Leap Frog, VTech, etc). Please consider that toy manufacturers are looking to make a profit and are not experts at child development! Slap the word “learning” onto an electric screen and sales go up regardless of long term risks.
Research has not been able to keep up with our technology boom. Most of the research I found is only focused on the effects of television and movies. We do not even know the long term effects of using so many electronic screens at such young ages and so frequently throughout the day which is negatively impacting play and social interaction (both with peers and with parents). Even when only parents are absorbed into the digital world, or if the TV is on “in the background” there are negative effects.
My primary concern is the lack of reciprocal interaction, shared attention/engagement, and communication between parent and child. One study found that for every hour of television watched per day the child had a 10% higher risk of developing attention problems. Another study found that the parent used 770 LESS words to interact with their child while the TV was on. Risks of high electronic usage include: increased aggression, poor emotional regulation, decreased attention (higher risk of ADHD), delayed language development, obesity, reading difficulties, irritability/fussiness, decreased executive functioning (defined as self regulation and working memory), decreased creativity and “self talk”, and poor sleep.
Bottom line: Eliminate electronics if under age 2 (this includes preschool products such as LeapFrog); limit screens to 2 hours per day (or less) for school aged children; and remove the TV from the bedroom! GO PLAY TOGETHER!
Amanda Masters, MS, OTR/L
TherapyWorks Clinic Therapist
Resources:
American Academy of Pediatrics (aap.org)
“The Immediate Impact of Different Types of Television on Young Children’s Executive Functioning” by: Angeline S. Lillard and Jennifer Peterson (Pediatrics2011;128:644–649)
“Infant Self-Regulation and Early Childhood Media Exposure” by: Jenny S. Radesky, Michael Silverstein, Barry Zuckerman and Dimitri A. Christakis (Pediatrics2014;133:e1172–e1178)
“The effects of infant media usage: what do we know and what should we learn?” By: Dimitri A. Christakis (ActaPædiatrica2009;98,pp.8–16)
“It’s official: TV linked to attention deficit” by : Jean Lotus