Each year, technology commands an ever-growing presence in the lives of young children. At PPP, we have devoted considerable time to understanding the effects of technology use on young children and to develop our own position on best practices. As our 2nd Annual Screen Free Week Challenge approaches (April 1-7) we would like to share some of our research and ideas in hopes that you are inspired to think deeply about the use of technology by your own children and students. 

First, some numbers. According to Common Sense Media, children under the age of two have an average of 53 minutes of screen time a day, while children ages 2-4 have an average of 2 1/2 hours. In the past four years, they have seen that, while the average amount of screen time has remained consistent, the way in which children are receiving the screen time has not. The amount of time a young child spends on a handheld device has tripled in the past four years. While not surprising, it does bring us into uncharted territory as to what effects this new usage has on the developing brain. Portable devices are much more private, leading the viewing experience to be less social and more individualistic. At this critical point in a child’s social emotional, language, and fine and gross motor development, more time spent alone holding a device could lead to notable delays in these areas.

As educators and parents, how do we use this information? We acknowledge that technology use among young children, especially in the form of iPads, smart phones and video games, is here to stay. But, we do have the power to limit a child’s time with these devices and to make their screen time meaningful and interactive. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidelines on media use align well with PPP’s own stance on the use of technology. Most applicable to young children, they recommend no more than 1 hour a day of high-quality screen time for children ages 2-5. They also recommend that this viewing or usage be done as often as possible with a parent. This co-viewing has many benefits. Children learn best from in-person contact, and concepts or questions can be discussed as they come up or at the dinner table later. You might also have a little much needed fun yourself. Have you ever gotten 3 strikes in a row on Wii Bowling?! It’s a great feeling! Most importantly, AAP reminds us to “Keep the face-to-face up front, and don't let it get lost behind a stream of media and tech.” Click here to view the AAP’s entire list of media tips: 

https://edubirdie.org/articles/children-and-media-tips/

A great way to reset screen time habits for your children AND for yourself is to join our Screen Free Week Challenge, taking place April 1-7, 2019. Taking a week to step away from our devices allows us to remember the beauty of human interactions and to marvel at the creativity of our smallest humans. Happy Rebooting!