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Children and TV: Limiting your child's screen time
How to limit screen time
Your child's total daily screen time may be greater than you realize. Start monitoring it. In the meantime, you can take simple steps to reduce the amount of time your child spends watching TV, movies and videos or playing video or computer games:
- Eliminate background TV. If the TV is turned on — even if it's just in the background — it's likely to draw your child's attention. If you're not actively watching a show, turn off the TV.
- Keep TVs and computers out of the bedroom. Children who have TVs in their bedrooms watch more TV and videos than children who don't. Monitor your child's screen time and the Web sites he or she is visiting by keeping computers in a common area in your house.
- Don't eat in front of the TV. Allowing your child to eat or snack in front of the TV increases his or her screen time. The habit also encourages mindless munching, which can lead to weight gain.
- Set school day rules. Most children have limited free time during the school week. Don't let your child spend all of it in front of a screen.
- Suggest other activities. Rather than relying on screen time for entertainment, help your child find other things to do. Consider classic activities, such as reading, playing a sport or trying a new board game.
- Set a good example. Be a good role model. Limit your own screen time.
Become an active participant
When your child has screen time, make it as engaging as possible:
- Plan what your child watches. Instead of flipping through channels, seek quality videos or use a program guide to select appropriate shows. Pay attention to TV Parental Guidelines — a system that rates programs based on suitability for children. When the program ends, turn off the TV.
- Watch with your child. Whenever possible, watch programs together — and talk about what you see.
- Choose video games that encourage physical activity. Better yet, make the games a family experience.
It may be difficult to start limiting your child's screen time, especially if your child already has a TV in his or her bedroom or your family eats dinner in front of the TV. But by creating new household rules and steadily making small changes in your child's routine, you can make a difference.
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References
- Christakis DA, et al. Television, video and computer game usage in children under 11 years of age. The Journal of Pediatrics. 2004;145:652.
- Dennison BA, et al. Television viewing and television in bedroom associated with overweight risk among low-income preschool children. Pediatrics. 2002;109:1028.
- Parenting corner q&a: TV and your family. American Academy of Pediatrics. http://www.aap.org/publiced/BR_TV.htm. Accessed Jan. 16, 2009.
- Mistry KB, et al. Children's television exposure and behavioral and social outcomes at 5.5 years: Does timing of exposure matter? Pediatrics. 2007;120:762.
- Jordan AB, et al. Reducing children's television-viewing time: A qualitative study of parents and their children. Pediatrics. 2006;118:e1303.
- Ginsburg KR, et al. The importance of play in promoting healthy child development and maintaining strong parent-child bonds. Pediatrics. 2007;119:182.
- Thompson DA, et al. The association between television viewing and irregular sleep schedules among children less than 3 years of age. 2005;116:851.
- Borzekowski DLG, et al. The remote, the mouse and the no. 2 pencil: The household media environment and academic achievement among third grade students. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. 2005;159:607.
- Zimmerman FJ, et al. Early cognitive stimulation, emotional support, and television watching as predictors of subsequent bullying among grade-school children. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. 2005;159:384.
- Owens J, et al. Television-viewing habits and sleep disturbance in school children. Pediatrics. 1999;104:e27.
- Laurson KR, et al. Combined influence of physical activity and screen time on recommendations on childhood overweight. 2008;153:209.
- Broughton DD. Keeping kids safe in cyberspace. AAP News. 2005;26:11.
