Pediatricians are debating how long the screen time span of children should be. Kids nowadays are taught to use smartphones or notepads before even knowing how to speak. Isn’t it strange? We all know that technology has advanced and that is normal for us to teach our kids about it. The real question is the following: Do you believe that is more important to teach them first about the real world or the virtual one?
- Scientists claim that parents should impose some boundaries to the screen time span of their children.
- Kids should be allowed to Skype with their distant relatives.
The American Academy of Pediatricians argued that it is understandable for babies and kids to have some time with their relatives on Skype. Teenagers are also allowed to play and socialize online as long as they can leave aside their devices to live in the real world, too. If they exercise and sleep enough, eat and talk with the members of their families, it is OK to let them use technology.
The Pediatrics magazine published a study concerning this problem. All these ideas were highlighted by pediatricians and categorized as non-dangerous for the social life and education of kids. Among the set of guidelines, there was a rule which argued that children under the age of 2 should avoid standing in front of the TV or using all sorts of devices like tablets of phones. Parents should allow their teenagers to use social media sites and playing on the computer only two hours per day.
If some limits are not imposed, then children could suffer from it. Aside from risks, this screen time has also its advantages. Megan Moreno, who is an associate professor of adolescent medicine at Seattle Children’s Hospital, claimed that these devices do not need to be avoided, but to be used within some limits. Pediatricians also argued that screen time could help 18-months-old babies to develop connections with their distant relatives.
The only way in which babies could be in front of screens is when they Skype with grandma or grandpa. Otherwise, they should be accustomed and encouraged to play and discover the real world. If parents want to introduce certain shows which are appropriate for babies, they should play and watch it with them. Leaving your 2-year-old in front of the TV is not a solution. The good idea is to present your baby a TV show, explaining it to him or her and participating in the activity.
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