What Grandparents Need to Know About Screen Time
Screen time! It’s one of the top three areas of disagreement between parents and grandparents (food and discipline are the other two). Here’s a common story:
When Stu went to visit his son’s family, he offered to watch his three-year-old granddaughter while her parents, Jeff and Melissa, went out to lunch. Jeff and Melissa set him up for success: they fed her before they left and told Stu she could watch 30 minutes of TV after her nap. They listed three shows that she was allowed to watch, and made sure he knew how to navigate to the right ones.
They had a leisurely lunch, and arrived home to find Stu and their daughter cuddled on the couch watching TV. The scene was heartwarming, but also annoying: the kids’ show playing was not one of the shows they had approved.
Knowing that Stu didn’t get a lot of time with his granddaughter, Jeff and Melissa didn’t make a big deal out of it, but they did ask Stu why he didn’t stick to the shows they’d agreed upon. “I thought it would be okay!”
Was a one-time exposure to a kid’s show they didn’t want her to watch going to harm their daughter? Unlikely. The bigger problem is that Stu put a chink in the trust he had built with Jeff and Melissa. A tiny chink, but those little missteps can add up to bigger issues.
From smartphones and tablets to televisions and computers, screens are pervasive in our daily routines. As screen time has become an integral part of our lives, it’s also become a common source of tension between parents and grandparents. Over a third of parents in one survey listed screen time as an area where grandparents don’t respect their requests. For grandparents, it just doesn’t seem like a big deal.
Whether you think it’s a big deal or not, it's crucial to respect parents’ rules regarding screen time for your grandchildren. Communication and collaboration with the parents are key to ensuring consistency and promoting healthy technology habits. If they haven’t discussed their guidelines and expectations, ask about them. Make sure to express your willingness to support their efforts in managing screen time.
Although grandparents don’t need to understand parent’s reasoning in order to respect their rules and boundaries, it’s helpful to understand the impact of screen time on young children, especially those under the age of 5.
What Counts as Screen Time?
Screen time refers to the duration a child spends engaging with screens, including televisions, computers, smartphones, tablets, and gaming devices. It encompasses activities such as watching videos, playing games, using educational apps, or participating in video calls. As technology continues to advance, children are increasingly exposed to screens from an early age.
Screen Time Recommendations by Age
While the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) previously recommended avoiding screen time altogether for children under 2 years old, they have since revised their guidelines to reflect the evolving digital landscape. Here are the current screen time recommendations by age:
Infants (0-18 months): For infants, it is recommended to avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family or loved ones. The social, interactive nature of video chatting engages babies in a way other screen time doesn’t.
Toddlers (18-24 months): Limited screen time can be introduced, but it should be of high-quality programming or educational content, watched together with a caregiver. The duration should be kept to a maximum of 30 minutes per day.
Preschoolers (2-5 years): Screen time for preschoolers should still be limited to one hour per day, focusing on educational, age-appropriate content. Co-viewing and active engagement with the material are encouraged.
These limits are all based on research regarding the effects of screen time on children. There is clear evidence that too much screen time can lead to problems from impaired language development to poor social-emotional development.
Effects of Screen Time on Young Children
Language and Cognitive Development: Excessive screen time can impact language development and cognitive skills in young children. Language acquisition, vocabulary building, and problem-solving abilities may be hindered when screen time replaces interactive, face-to-face experiences.
Physical Health: Increased screen time is often associated with sedentary behavior, leading to a higher risk of childhood obesity and poor physical fitness. Encouraging outdoor play and other physical activities are vital for a child's overall well-being.
Sleep Disruptions: Excessive screen time, particularly close to bedtime, can disrupt a child's sleep patterns. The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Establishing screen-free periods before bedtime can promote healthier sleep habits.
Social and Emotional Development: Excessive screen time may hinder the development of essential social and emotional skills. Face-to-face interactions and real-world experiences provide valuable opportunities for children to learn empathy, self-regulation, and emotional intelligence.
Attention and Behavior: Extended exposure to screens can contribute to attention difficulties and behavioral issues in young children. Rapid screen transitions and the fast-paced nature of digital media may impact a child's ability to sustain attention and focus on tasks requiring more extended periods of concentration.
Navigating Screen Time Boundaries
While it can be tempting to think there’s no harm in a little extra screen time while Grandma’s in charge, it’s important to avoid ignoring screen time boundaries set by the parents. They have considered all factors and made decisions with the best interest of their children in mind. By respecting and adhering to these boundaries, you’ll be part of a consistent and cohesive approach to screen time management. What’s more, you’ll be showing parents that you respect their authority as parents.
Strategies for Managing Screen Time
Besides talking to parents about screen time and holding to mutually agreed-upon limits when the grandchildren are in your care, there are some other ways to help manage your grandchild’s screen time.
Be a Role Model: As grandparents, your behavior can have a significant influence on your grandchildren. Demonstrating healthy screen habits by limiting your own screen time and engaging in alternative activities can encourage children to follow suit.
Prioritize Active Play and Interaction: Encourage physical activities, such as outdoor play, creative play, and playing games or reading books together. These experiences provide opportunities for children to explore their environment, use their imagination, and engage in meaningful interactions.
Create Tech-Free Zones and Times: Designate certain areas of the home, like the dining table or bedrooms, as screen-free zones for everyone. Another strategy is to set specific times during the day when screens are off-limits, such as during meals or before bedtime.
Choose High-Quality Content: When allowing screen time, opt for educational and age-appropriate content that promotes learning and skill development. Many platforms offer a wide range of educational apps, interactive games, and videos designed specifically for young children. Make sure anything you choose gets parents’ seal of approval.
Co-View and Engage: Whenever possible, watch and engage with your grandchildren during their screen time. Discuss the content, ask questions, and encourage active participation. This co-viewing approach can enhance the learning experience and foster valuable conversations.
Be a Tech Mentor: As they get older, teach your grandchildren responsible technology use. Help them explore educational and age-appropriate content, and discuss potential risks and online safety.
Understanding the impact of screen time on young children is crucial for grandparents in today's digital age. By adhering to the boundaries that parents set, you can help provide a balanced and healthy environment for your grandchildren. Remember, your support and involvement can contribute to their overall well-being and growth, both in the digital world and beyond.
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