Pit a Pat Study: SCREEN TIME

As you know, it is recommended that children under 2 years of age spend no time watching TV or other screens.

From the age of 2, this changes to no more than one hour of screen time per day, but the message remains that less is best and some screen free days are good!

When thinking about screen time remember to include TV, time on the computer and other electronic games as well as time using tablets or smart phones.

If you decide to allow your child some screen time, try to watch TV with your child. Sit with them when they’re playing electronic games so that you can talk to them about what is happening and answer any questions they have. This is also important for ensuring the content is appropriate for their age.

Some simple techniques can help to limit your child’s screen time. Here are just a few ideas;

Try asking friends with children what strategies they use.
Allow your child to watch a particular program rather than just putting the TV on, and remember to turn the TV off when that program is finished.
Have toys and books on hand to occupy your child rather than handing them your smart phone or tablet to play with (e.g. at a café, medical appointment, friend’s house, or when you’re trying to talk on the phone).
Try going outside or putting some music on when your child asks for screen time.

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