Reducing screen time in the early years
When children spend too much time on smartphones and tablets, we know it isn’t good for them.
One 2018 study in Calgary showed that higher levels of screen time in children ages two and three years were associated with poor performance on their development measures at three and five years.
A separate study in Turkey compared children ages two-to-five years who had less than one hour of daily screen time with those who had four hours or more. When their psychosocial well-being was assessed, the children with four and more hours of screen time showed more behavioural and peer relationship problems.
Finally, a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States indicated that children who spent more than two hours a day on screens scored lower on language and thinking tests. Some children with more than seven hours a day even experienced thinning of their brain cortex.
This is why the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years suggest zero screen time for children under two years of age, no more than one hour for children ages two to four, and no more than two hours for children over four.
Parents, caregivers, and early years educators are wise to be concerned about screen time. Those of us who work in childcare and early years education should carry phones only as a form of necessary communication when outside and avoid using them when we are with children. At the same time we can help parents by providing basic guidance on managing their children’s screen time.
Here are some tips to share with parents:
Read reviews of games and movies
Parents can read reviews about age-appropriate apps, games, and programs to help them make the best choices for their children. Common Sense Media is an excellent website for these kinds of reviews.
Watch and play together
When children have screen time, parents should watch the show or play the game with them. Pay attention to what is happening and ask questions to see if they understand the action taking place. Watch how the game or show may be affecting their thoughts, feelings, and behaviour.
Don’t rely on screens to distract children
Screens shouldn’t be used in the family car except on long trips. When children are struggling with social activities or feeling bored, some parents are tempted to just give them a screen device to distract them. This temptation should be resisted. Instead, parents can encourage and guide their children in resolving conflicts or boredom in a meaningful, creative way with simple games and activities.
Turn off screens at night
Parents should set a time in the evening when the family turns off all screens.
Have screen-free zones
Keep bedtime, mealtime, and family time screen-free.
Be a good role model
Children will imitate their parents. If they see their parents spending hours on digital devices, they will want to do the same. Parents should carefully limit their own screen time at home.
The opinions and interpretations in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Government of Canada.
