Screen time for kids

Electronic media such as television, computers, and video games can be found everywhere today. They can have a big effect on our children, so it is important to think carefully about children's screen time.

When children watch television, they are not practicing valuable skills. These include social skills, such as asking questions, self control, and patience. They may also include physical skills, such as hand-eye coordination, or cognitive skills, such as creativity, problem solving, and critical thinking.

Children under two shouldn't watch television or other electronic media. This is an important age for development and children need to be spending time interacting with people and their environment. Older children should spend no more than two hours watching television each day. Children who are watching television still need adult supervision.

It's not necessary to stop watching television, but it's a good idea to put limits on television watching. In addition to time limits, move televisions out of children's bed rooms. This gives you more control over when and what they watch. Also, turn off the television during dinner.

To make television a more positive influence, choose programs that are educational. Watch television with your child and talk about what you are seeing. If you can, record shows and skip the commercials. If you are watching with commercials, talk about what the commercials are selling and how they are selling it.

Computers and video games are more interactive than television, but they also have risks. Video and computer games may be violent or inappropriate for young children. Too much time spent playing violent video games may lead to social isolation or aggressive behavior.

If your child plays video games, choose age appropriate, non-violent games. If possible choose games for two or more players. Limit the amount of time spent playing video games each day. Talking to your child about the games helps them to think critically about the messages the games are sending.

There are risks with television, computers, and video games, but monitoring, limit setting, and talks with your child can help make electronic media a positive influence in your child's life.

For more tips on media and children, visit Health Children at http://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/work-play/Media/Pages....