If you're in a hurry...
Before 3 years old: no screens!
From 3 to 8 years old: 30 minutes
Over 8 years old: no more than one hour per day
The idea is to manage your child's screen exposure without getting into conflict.
Danger of screens?
- undesirable behaviors
- language development delays
- difficulties falling asleep
- addiction
It's difficult to avoid screens: smartphones, game consoles, televisions, tablets, computers... We are confronted with them every day and so are your children. But what screen time should be set by age? What are the impacts of screens on babies/children?
Let's find together the right balance to avoid frustrating your child while preserving their proper development.
Each age has its screen time
All organizations and associations agree on one point: NO SCREEN BEFORE 3 YEARS OLD. And we agree!
Yes, the bright colors of images attract your little ones' eyes and above all, they want to do like mom and dad. From 3 months, babies can grab your smartphone in their hands!
Then, we know, as parents, we can be tired and leaving your child in front of the TV can be very tempting... But it's not the most suitable solution!
It is still complicated to completely remove them from your little ones' lives, so, to avoid frustrating them, take into account their age and the time spent on other activities (physical or fun without screens) to set a limit.
Serge Tisseron, a psychiatrist member of the Academy of Technologies, has proposed simple guidelines for introducing screens into children's lives: the 3-6-9-12 rule!
- No television before 3 years old
- No personal game console before 6 years old
- No internet access alone before 9 years old
- No social media before 12 years old
But what screen time should be set then?
- Before 3 years old: we repeat ourselves but it's 0 if possible!
- From 3 to 8 years old: no more than one hour per day, 30 minutes if possible
- Over 8 years old: no more than one hour per day, going to 45 minutes for example
Obviously, these are theoretical aids. Accompany your children in discovering screens by offering them fun content that still encourages their thinking. The key is to explain the dangers (of social networks, for example) and allow them to have fun in other ways!
What are the impacts of screens on our children?
Yes, exposure to screens causes undesirable effects on our little ones. The WHO is clear and has published its recommendations for children under 5: no more than one hour!
Why?
Poorer brain development and learning
Children overexposed to screens may suffer from language delays. Combined with the child's withdrawal, who has few social interactions, the risk increases.
Loss of concentration is also a noticeable effect, and without concentration, it's difficult to learn!
Undesirable behaviors
Who hasn't seen a child get angry when dad/mom's phone is taken out of their hands or when the TV is turned off? Yes, it's a more than frequent situation.
Screens are used to calm the child and ultimately, although calmed in the moment, they start to cry and/or scream when it stops: not really pleasant, right?
Difficulties falling asleep
Before sleeping, it is not recommended to look at screens: beware of more difficult bedtimes! Sleep is very important for good development, so it's better to prioritize it.
A possible addiction
Addiction to smartphones, television, and video games is a known phenomenon, particularly among teenagers, but it can happen from a very young age: withdrawal, isolation, and anger are alarming signs.
How to limit screen use by our children?
The goal is not to forbid, otherwise you will create tensions and frustrations which will not help at all.
Instead:
Set an example
We're not going to throw stones at you, we too spend time scrolling on TikTok (way too much) or watching Netflix.
The idea is not to do it too much in front of your children, you are their role models on earth, they will definitely want to do like you.
Hide yourself (yes) discreetly if you don't want to encourage them.
During babywearing in a wrap or baby carrier, take advantage when they are asleep to freely use your smartphone or watch TV. Babywearing actually promotes baby's sleep. During their awake phases, you'll already be busy enough responding to their needs, phew!
Find more interesting activities
At 6 months, a baby doesn't care about looking at a screen, their only screen is YOU, your expressions, your facial expressions, and your various interactions. This is essential for their development and learning of social connections. Babywearing is precisely the perfect way to keep your child facing you and benefit from all the subtleties of your exchanges.
When they're older, there's no shortage of ideas: painting, drawing, outdoor activities, sports...
Physical activity is very important, the WHO recommends 180 minutes of physical activity per day for a child aged 1 to 4 years.
Set limits
When they are babies, it's only YOU who set the limits and establish your baby's habits. Take advantage of it!
As they grow, you will be able to set limits together, which they will understand.
Set rituals
Allow screens but on a dedicated time. This allows your children to learn to wait and regulate themselves. Avoid mornings before going to school, during meals, and before going to sleep.
In summary, what do we do?
Finally,
- we manage screen exposure by setting clear rules to implement (duration, accompanied...)
- we take advantage of babywearing to get the baby interested in you and their environment
- we adapt the content and authorized media we offer compromises to avoid frustrations
The use of screens is not prohibited, but other more enjoyable moments can be shared as a family :)
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