Pediatrics in Brevard: Now is the time to set device parameters as kids return to school

Winter break brings joyous traditions, travel and time together.

When balancing these priorities and extended time at home from school, kids can end up with more screen time than usual.

In addition, the holidays may bring the arrival of new devices and technologies in the home.

There also may be a variety of expectations or rules regarding screen time between extended family members as families come together over the holidays.

This can be challenging to navigate as technology continues to outpace guidelines and recommendations for media use.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics has developed an interactive Family Media Plan tool accessible at www.healthychildren.org that walks through step-by-step instructions on topics to consider when planning for screen time and media use for the entire family.

Family planning of screen time

When choosing screen time options for our families, it is important to focus on the quality of the programming.

Ideally, we have no screen time for children under 2 years old to help encourage their language and communication development.

When there are a variety of ages present, it may be best to defer the selection to the youngest in the audience to avoid exposure to more mature topics.

It can be helpful to co-watch with younger children when possible. The shared viewing experience can allow for reflection throughout to raise emotional awareness and the help guide their response to the programming.

When possible, pre-screening media is helpful for younger audiences that may be nervous or frightened by particular scenes or themes.

Devices as travel companions

Screen time can be a useful tool during travel and winter break, but it is important to know how children may respond.

Some children can be more activated/energized with screen time, which can be precarious during travel in close quarters on an airplane or long car ride.

Screen time may exacerbate motion sickness for some prone to nausea during long travel as well.

And a reminder for all ages, please no texting or using devices while driving, even if stopped in traffic.

Set parameters first

When using screen time as a tool for independent play while adults may be completing other tasks, it is helpful to establish clear expectations prior to starting screen time.

This may help avoid some arguments when screen time is complete.

Be clear: “I’m setting a 30-minute timer for screen time. When the timer goes off, it is time to change activities.”

They’re allowed to be upset, but hold firm on the boundary. If giving in to “one more show” it quickly snowballs into a much longer experience and makes it difficult to hold boundaries in the future.

Many devices have timers built in to the operating system to limit use and set parameters as well.

For older children and teens that have access to their own devices, it is helpful to have parental controls established as well as clear communication for appropriate use of the devices.

It is important to teach internet safety and have an ongoing conversation about viewing habits and interactions.

In particular, social media can be a challenging area for older children and teens.

It is recommended that social media be avoided until at least 13 years old, and only then with appropriate parental guidance and supervision. The prevalence of cyberbullying cannot be ignored.

The quick development of new social media outlets can make it difficult to navigate every scenario, so it is important to have continuing conversations about kindness in digital spaces and avoiding comparison with images posted on social media.

It is helpful to build the skills for age-appropriate recognition of targeted advertisement and misinformation as teens interact in new platforms.

No devices close to bedtime or meals

To help with consistent sleep and bedtime routines, there should be no screen time at least 30 minutes prior to bedtime.

The bright light from an illuminated screen interrupts melatonin production and the brain’s ability to wind down for sleep.

In order to help with this effort, it is recommended that there be no television or other devices in the bedroom.

Ideally, devices would be stored in a separate place for charging overnight. This could mean traditional alarm clocks to avoid phones and other devices being directly next to the bed while sleeping.

Establish other activities/routines with clear screen-free times. This can be a great opportunity to put all devices on chargers while eating a meal times. This is helpful for intuitive eating and mindfulness, as families engage in conversation at mealtime.

Playing games with virtual friends

Video games can be a helpful tool for problem solving and connecting with friends.

The ability to play simultaneously with others can be great for maintaining extended family relationships across long distances, but should have appropriate parameters for safety and privacy.

There should be clear communication about who can play and why there would be potential concerns about interacting with strangers on the internet.

We don’t want our children to be fearful, but aware and cautious of Internet security.

It is a worthwhile reminder that we all deserve grace around the time of the winter holidays as well.

We are imperfect humans deserving of joy and rest. If our family ends up with more screen time then anticipated, it will be okay.

We can return to our usual routines and parameters with the return to the typical school and work schedule.

If the pre-winter break routine wasn’t working well, it could also be a time to reset and reframe our families expectations of screen time.

Dr. Betty Cheney Kelly attended medical school at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio. She moved to Orlando to complete her pediatric residency at Arnold Palmer Medical Center and joined Pediatrics in Brevard in 2019.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Screen time for kids should be limited, so set boundaries immediately