Those hand-held devices and social media apps can be useful tools for kids to learn and keep in touch with family, friends, and classmates. But excessive screen time can be harmful to our child’s mental health, physical well-being, and overall health and happiness.
This can be all the more important during times of transition, such as moving from summer vacation to the structure of the school year.
Kenya Maria Parks, MD, MS, FAAP
It’s important to create clear boundaries around screen time, according to Kenya Maria Parks, MD, MS, FAAP, a pediatrician and Medical Director of the Pediatric School Based Health Program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Dr. Parks has some advice for parents about how to help their kids navigate social media and technology, based on years of experience talking with kids and families. She offers the following tips:
- Teach your child to use social media safely and responsibly. It is important to promote positive aspects, such as communication and learning. However, it is also important that parents stay on top of the latest apps, trends, and social media developments. The key is staying informed and engaged early in your child’s life. Encourage open communication around online privacy, inappropriate contacts, and cyberbullying. Have in-depth conversations with teens about their digital footprint and topics such as sexting. By doing this, you are helping to empower them to make informed decisions about their online activity.
- Set healthy guidelines for screen time. Work with your child to create the best plan that details expectations, time limits, and areas of the home for device use. Adhere to age guidelines. Children under five should have one hour or less of screen time. School-aged children should have a maximum of two hours. This is up to your own discretion and how social media may fit into your child’s life and activities.
- Create or maintain a balance. Encourage a healthy balance between online and offline activities so your child has a well-rounded experience filled with growth, exploration, social interaction, and overall well-being. Let your child choose activities, such as playing a sport or doing a craft, so they feel fulfilled and happy. It can also be beneficial to schedule media-free family activities, such as playing board games, going for walks, or cooking together.
- Learn when to seek mental health support. Without proper precautions, social media may have negative impacts. Pay attention to cues and changes in your child, such as appearing sad or depressed for two weeks or more, increased isolation, or anything else that seems different. Communicating with your child regularly is integral to understanding if they need help. Speak openly with your child and follow your gut instinct. Never ignore the signs and contact your pediatrician or mental health specialist with concerns.
- Identify developmental delays and learning disabilities. Look for red flags in your child’s development and if they are meeting important milestones. For example, make sure your child is speaking by two years of age. Most of their speech should be understandable by the age of three. Any delays in speech or motor development issues should be addressed early. Additionally, make sure that your child is thriving in school. Parents should also be vigilant for signs of learning disabilities in school-aged children. Attention issues, hyperactivity, constant getting in trouble, or failing grades could be signs of a learning disability. Contact the school or your pediatrician for guidance.
“Technology should be used to enhance rather than hinder your child’s back-to-school experience so that they enjoy a memorable year and a fulfilling life,” Dr. Parks says. “Remember to prioritize face-to-face interactions with family and friends and encourage children to connect offline as much as possible. Help them enjoy physical and outdoor activities with others to help build relationships beyond the digital world.”
She suggests leading by example and acting as a positive role model by demonstrating healthy screen habits.
“Parents should limit their own screen time. Prioritize spending time with your child and with family and friends,” she says. “Explore new interests and hobbies with your child that offer personal growth opportunities and fulfillment.”
If you have questions or if you are concerned about your child’s mental health, contact your child’s pediatrician and or a mental health specialist.