Article
When a parent flips on the TV, it often affords them 30 minutes or more of relative silence. That’s enough time to make dinner, fold a load of laundry, or quickly chat with a friend. TV makes achieving certain parenting goals possible.
Their kid often enjoys it, too. It’s time spent in an imaginary world when, importantly, their parent isn’t bugging them to put on their shoes or do homework.
But research increasingly suggests that too much TV at a young age may come with risks.
What the Guidelines Say About Screen Time for Young Kids
Heffler strongly urges parents to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines for media, which say to avoid digital media use for children younger than 18 to 24 months. The guidelines make an exception for video-chatting, which may be enriching and appropriately engaging when done with family members, for example.
When you do play digital media for toddlers between 18 and 24 months, the AAP recommends turning to high-quality programming and watching it together. Children between the ages of 2 and 5 should be limited to one hour of high-quality programming per day, which you should also watch with them.
Research Findings on Risks of TV Screen Time
Heffler’s study analyzed data reported between 2011 and 2014 by the parents of 1,471 babies and toddlers. The parents shared how frequently their children watched TV or DVDs. The parents weren’t asked about mobile devices, since they were less prevalent at the time.
Does it Matter if Screen Time Involves Television or a Smartphone or Tablet?
Heffler’s study couldn’t evaluate screen time that takes place on a smartphone or tablet, but she suspects that it could lead to similar results. Some research already indicates that screen time on mobile devices is associated with language delay and dysregulation for young children.
Testing What Happens When You Reduce Screen Time for Young Kids
In her research, Heffler is exploring what happens when parents reduce screen time for young kids, particularly those with autism symptoms.
Alternatives to TV Screen Time
Heffler understands just how pressed parents are for time, and that some may experience mental health challenges, like postpartum depression. She believes society should consider the needs of families so that parents can have more support as they raise young children, rather than putting them in a position where TV presents their one break between work and parenting.
Conclusion
The study’s association between screen time and atypical sensory processing builds on past research suggesting a similar link between TV-watching at a young age and language delay, attention problems, emotional dysregulation, brain findings, autism symptoms, and sleep problems.
FAQs
Q: What are the guidelines for screen time for young kids?
A: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends avoiding digital media use for children younger than 18 to 24 months. For toddlers between 18 and 24 months, AAP recommends turning to high-quality programming and watching it together. Children between the ages of 2 and 5 should be limited to one hour of high-quality programming per day.
Q: Can reducing screen time for young kids lead to improvements?
A: Yes, research suggests that reducing screen time for young kids can lead to improvements, especially for those with autism symptoms.
Q: What are some alternatives to TV screen time?
A: Some alternatives to TV screen time include removing screens, unplugging TVs, and placing phones and tablets out of reach. Parents can also involve their children in household routines, like helping with dinner, and provide them with standard toys, like dolls, blocks, cups, and balls.
Q: What can parents do if they notice their child’s atypical sensory processing is interfering with their everyday routine?
A: Parents can consider doing a trial run of turning off screens and integrating more social, sensory, and play activities to see if it leads to improvements.
