Story by: Sara Thompson on September 15, 2021
Limiting screen time after 18 months of reliance on them can be hard for parents. Many families have felt they had no choice when it came to loosening rules on screen time, due to the pandemic and remote learning. Now that most kids are back in school, how can you limit screen time?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers the following guidance for younger children:
The AAP also recommends focus on adequate sleep and good sleep hygiene, which means an age-appropriate bedtime with no screens in the bedroom.
Children’s health and wellness experts know the effects of screen time on brain development. Studies show a correlation between excessive screen time and depression, anxiety and suicide among young people. It can be hard for parents who realize the dangers of excessive screen time for kids but struggle to find a balance in their own families. It seems that the more we connect online, the less connected we can be as a family.
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The reality is screens are here to stay, and it’s up to parents to figure out healthy solutions.