New this month!

January – Screen Time & Media Safety

“Screen time” refers to the amount of time we spend interacting with TVs, computers, smartphones, digital pads, and video games.  The actual impact of screen time on our health has proven difficult to study, and more research is needed.  However, experts seem to agree that the biggest downside to screen time is the extent to which it can displace or disrupt other important life experiences, including sleep, physical activity, creative play, and face-to-face social interaction. 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that children ages 8-10 spend an average of six hours per day in front of a screen.  Kids ages 11-14?  Nine hours.  And teens 15-18?  Seven or more.  Interestingly, some studies suggest that adults log the most hours - an average of ten per day.

Both quantity and quality are important when it comes to screen time.  Some forms of screen time can be creative, informative, productive, and connective.  Other forms may not be so beneficial.  Please stay current about issues your children might encounter and educate them on how to respond.  Check out the links and websites below for more information and helpful tips regarding screen time, internet safety, and more.  The link from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) includes recommendations for screen time limits.  

“Children perform better on mental and academic tests (memory, attention, processing speed, and language) when the limit their screen time to under two hours per day, eat right, sleep well, and stay physically active.”             “Early introduction to devices is now being linked to speech delays in toddlers, reduced sleep and delayed sleep onset.  Older children and teens are experiencing poor sleep quality and higher incidences of depression.”  

Please see more links on the District Wellness page including links to our board policy personal electronic devices and social media.  

• https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/Pages/American-Academy-of-Pediatrics-Announces-New-Recommendations-for-Childrens-Media-Use.aspx
• https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2018/09/27/study-links-restricting-screen-time-kids-higher-mental-performance
• http://time.com/5437607/smartphones-teens-mental-health/
• https://www.commonsensemedia.org/screen-time/how-much-screen-time-is-ok-for-my-kids
• https://www.safekids.com/kids-rules-for-online-safety/
• https://www.safesearchkids.com/internet-safety-tips-for-kids
• https://www.justice.gov/criminal-ceos/children-internet-safety