The
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents of
preschoolers limit screen time to no more than one hour per day.
Between your smartphone, tablet, laptop, and TV, this may seem like
an impossibility. Before you give up or give in, take a look at what
you need to know about screen time limits for your young child.
Is screen time part of your child's daily preschool routine? While most early childhood education centers don't allow regular TV viewing, they may encourage students to use technology. Don't worry-technology in the classroom isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Your child is growing up in a world that's dominated by technology. This makes it necessary for them to understand how to use computers (and other similar devices) from an early age. The key is to create a healthy balance. If your child's teacher engages your child in tech-time activities during the preschool day, you'll need to decrease at-home use.
Talk to the teacher, specifically asking how often and for how long the children use a computer or other screen. Along with asking about how much time your child uses screens at school, ask how they're using them. Learn about age-appropriate software, apps, programs, and other online options to guide at-home activities.
Your young child is just starting to learn the concept of time. This abstract idea isn't always easy for a three or four-year-old to grasp. This means your child may require a concrete reminder when it comes to timed tasks.
Simply telling your child that they have 30 minutes or one hour of screen time won't always work when setting limits. Instead of telling, show your child. Use a timer as a ticking concrete countdown that reminds your child their time is winding down.
One hour per day doesn't have to equal 60 consecutive minutes of screen time. Screen limits free additional time for your child to engage in healthy activities, such as playing outside. Split the total amount of screen time into smaller units to reduce the risks associated with constant sedentary behaviors.
Again, if your child uses a screen at school, count that time towards their one hour. If your child doesn't use a screen during the daycare or preschool day, split the 60 minutes of tech-time into 10- or 15- minute groupings. These shorter blocks of time meet your preschooler's attention span where it is now, making it less likely that your child will passively sit and zone out in front of the screen.
Children with longer attention spans can have 30 minute or longer blocks of time. But this doesn't mean your child should sit still and engage with the screen for a full 60 minutes without a break.
Require breaks as a part of setting screen time limits. Encourage your child to engage in active or handson activities during their screen breaks. This could include playing outside in the yard, going to the park, moving during an indoor dance party, getting artsy with playdough, or dressing up and engaging in an imaginative play scene.
Half an hour of screen time doesn't equal 30 minutes of time spend alone in front of the computer or tablet. Make the most of your child's tech-time and engage with them. Guide your child as they choose what to watch on TV or play on the computer.
During your child's screen-based activity, interact with them-asking open-ended questions (questions that don't have a yes or no answer). This helps you to monitor what your child is doing online, or in front of a screen, and makes this tech-time activity more educational.
Are you looking for a preschool program that provides plenty of educational opportunities? Contact
Riviera Daycare & Preschool
for more information.
