Children spend more time watching a screen than they do with parents, teachers or any other influence. The siren call of a glowing blue electronic device can have dire consequences; from sleep disruptions and obesity to psychological health, we need to look at how screen time affects our kids.
Sleep Disturbances
A recent study of 1,700 children between the ages of two and nine found a direct correlation between screen time and sleep disturbance. Children slept 20 percent less with 1.5 hours of TV per day and sleep loss continued to increase with additional screen time. Sleep duration did recover with fewer viewing hours.
Parental Monitoring is Key
Another study published last month in JAMA Pediatrics found that increased monitoring by parents reduced children’s total screen time. Better monitoring meant children slept better and performed better in school. Researchers found that adequate sleep correlates to lower body mass index (BMI). Finally, with less exposure to violence through screen time, children had increased positive behavior and decreased aggressive behavior.
Are Age Limits Realistic?
A co-author of the 2011 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) screen viewing guidelines came out publicly last month to question the stance that there should be no screen time for children under the age of two. Explaining that the guidelines were formed well before their 2011 publication, Dimitri Christakis, M.D., M.P.H writes, “The timing is notable because the iPad debuted in April 2010, meaning that the statement was drafted with no knowledge that such a device would ever exist.”
He continues, “There are many ways in which iPads and traditional toys differ from traditional passive media. Therefore, there is a strong theoretical foundation to posit that the AAP recommendations regarding medical for children younger than the age of two years should be be applied to these newer media.”
While Christakis would still advocate for an engaging book over new media, he wonders if there is a small place for devices that actively engage young children and can help them grow developmentally.
What Can Physicians Do?
Entertainment media comprises up to seven hours of a child’s day. The AAP suggests:
- Limiting screen time to no more than one-to-two hours per day
- Watching television with children so care-givers can guide content
- Keeping screens out of childrens’ bedrooms
- Encouraging outdoor play, reading and other hobbies
As a physician, do you discuss screen time with your patients and their families? Have you noticed a correlation between obesity and/or behavioral issues and screen time? Do you think there are any positives to screen time? This is a big topic of conversation inside Sermo, if you’re an M.D. or D.O. please join us.
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