Family

WHAT EVERY PARENT NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT KIDS AND SCREEN TIME

According to the American children, we need to be aware of the Academy of Pediatrics challenges it can cause,” explains (AAP), in 1970 children Reena B. Patel, a parenting expert, didn’t start regularly watching TV licensed educational psychologist, until they were four years old. Today, and author. “Children’s cognition they report that children begin skills are still developing, so it’s interacting with digital media at four imperative that we take that into months old. One look around and account when it comes to their it’s easy to see that many children screen usage time.” have their own cell phone, tablet, television, or other type of screen In the same report, the AAP reports that is occupying a lot of their time that 75 percent of children ages 0-8 and attention. The problem with this have access to a mobile device, and is with all that screen time, there are that most one and two-year-olds are numerous ways that research shows using a mobile device on a daily it may be harming kids. From the basis. This trend continues through smallest of toddlers who are glued every age group. The average to watching tablets and televisions, 8-10-year-old is spending around to teens who are using their devices eight hours per day on various forms Most parents realize that children ages engage in physical and social almost constantly, it’s prompted of media, and older children are also engage in learning activities and activities that do not involve the concerns that every parent should be spending more than 11 hours per day. even have homework assignments usage of screens. Encourage them aware of. A Pew Research Center report shows they need to use screens for. They to have real-life relationships, rather that 24 percent of teens go online are a part of life and a part of their than their friendships being all online “There is no denying that technology “almost constantly,” and 92 percent learning experience, as well as their or done through electronics.plays a major role in our lives of them report using their mobile entertainment one. Rather than today, but when it comes to our devices on a daily basis. sheltering kids from social media • Create rules that will help give and screens, parents should strive them boundaries about when they for teaching them healthier ways can use their devices. For example, Ballet • Modern • Hip Hop to use them, and how to maintain a no devices at meals, and no phones Stretch/Tumbling balance. With screens here to stay, allowed in their bedrooms overnight. Private Lessons • Special Events it’s important that parents take steps to help keep their child’s time spent • Find non-screen activities that the The beautiful experiences that you gain from dancing on them in check. Here are some tips to do just that: whole family can engage in. This will help them create bonds and learn are endless. Dance Is Life Studios will help you create healthy social behaviors. unforgettable memories. Through getting to know you • It’s recommended that children and building a bond, we cater to your style of learning. under the age of two not be exposed • Be the example that you want them Your dance career begins with you taking the fi rst step, to screen time at all. For children over to follow. From young children to 10210 N 32nd St, Phoenix we are here to guide you. the age of two, it’s recommended that the screen time be kept to one to two teens, they are watching what parents do when it comes to screen time. (623) 377 - 9753 hours per day at the most. Parents who overuse screen time are

DanceIsLifeStudios@gmail.com setting that same example for their www.DanceIsLifeStudios.com • Discuss the screen time challenges with your children, especially when children. Having healthy screen habits will teach children to do the

Instagram: @DanceIsLifePHX they are adolescents and teens, so same. they understand the concerns. Ask your child what the pros and cons of • Parents should be familiar with all unlimited or excessive use of devices the apps and devices their children are. Devise a plan for using screens, use. They should have access to which limits the amount of time they the social media apps as well. can be used each day. When children Ex: Instagram can be created and are involved with developing the monitored from a parents account plan, they are more likely to follow and note on social media pages the rules they helped create. that it is “parent monitored.” Also, become familiar with Internet safety, • Encourage kids to create a balance including setting parental controls, between screen time and non-screen and how to avoid giving too much time. It’s important that kids of all personal information online.