Screen use with littles

This topic is vast!! And there are so many viewpoints and positions that are all supported by research and experts and the truth is that technology is everywhere and at some point it will enter your child's life. For the most part, it's possible to control when and on what level for little ones. 

An important aspect to consider in the early years is parental use of screens/devices. The main issue with our own use as it relates to children is our diverted attention and the impact on emotional connection with your baby and subsequently language and social/emotional development. 

Intentional screen use suggestions:

• Turn off notifications so your time with baby isn't always interrupted

• Allot certain times for screen use when baby is sleeping or with your partner/caregivers or use the phone away from baby when possible

• Try not to use screens while nursing or feeding baby especially at night or in the dark when the screen will be brighter and more distracting plus it can contribute to your own overstimulation

  • Here's an article that speaks further about phone use while nursing: https://sg.theasianparent.com/breastfeeding-and-mobile-phone-use

There is such a range of technology exposure: passive screen use like TVs, interactive screens like Zoom or FT, digital toys, phones, etc.

When thinking about screen use for older babies, technically the WHO recommends zero hours of passive screen time for babies under two.  Interactive screens like seeing relatives or friends online has actually been found to be beneficial. The key difference is that the baby is engaging with someone who is engaging back, giving social cues and using language. Another recommendation is to engage with your child while using a screen so there is increased language development, connection and relatability to the experience. We can all agree that screens are a part of our lives and certainly more so at the moment for many families and if you are finding that screen time is an essential aspect of your care it may come down to finding a balance.

Some tips for baby/toddler screen use: 

• Try a few distractions before using a screen for older children: audiobooks, podcasts, music (these can feel like screen time and often kids are happy with that)

• Consider having a 'No-TV' toybox: activities to do before screen time can happen - things like puzzles, games, art, books. This takes being organized and getting ahead of your child and often we are reaching for screens in desperate moments. 

• Educational use of screens for babies 2 and older: consider shifting your lens to the importance of some exposure outside of your home/community. Screens take kids around the world and expose them to other cultures, languages, people and music. The Internet answers questions for us and connects us with experts to learn new things. So while the actual screen time isn't ideal, the learning can be amazing for kids who are developmentally ready! Some shows for little kids teach them empathy, caring and relatable experiences that can help them understand their own world.

• It can be helpful to have boundaries and limit use, not let them touch or hold the device, use blue light blockers and other things that can reduce our anxiety and support children. It's helpful for children to learn limits and while it may be hard to watch them be upset, it creates learning moments about emotions. 

As a parent you'll likely shift your view on technology along the way. My best advice is to listen to your intuition on what is right for your own family. 

Other articles to consider: 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/singletons/201407/how-digital-devices-affect-infants-and-toddlers

Parental use: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2018/07/the-dangers-of-distracted-parenting/561752/

We also recently read Power On together in our groups - a wonderful, modern guide to screen use for kids of all ages.

There are so many resources and opinions around this giant topic! Feel free to bring your questions any time!