• Published by Jennifer Khumarga, M.S., BCBA from Enreach Behavioral Services 

As a result of the increasing development of technology and further integration in our daily lives, device use is beginning at an earlier age. When utilized correctly, screen time can help improve learning. Screen time provides educational value, improves motor skills and coordination, and acts as a tool to socialize and communicate. However, too much screen time may lead to sleep problems, behavior problems, delays in language and social skills development, less time learning, etc. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended the following:

• 0-18 months: limited to video chatting with an adult
• 18-24 months: limit to watching educational programming with a caregiver
• 2-5 years: limit non- educational screen time to about 1 hours per day
• 6 and older: encourage healthy habits and limit activities that include screens

Here are some guidelines to using electronic devices effectively:

• Developing rules: set clear rules of how long they can be on their devices and when they can and cannot have access to it (e.g., they can have access before dinner, but not before bed). In addition, parents may also include other rules such as where electronic devices can be used (in common areas such as living room) or with whom (only when an adult is around). For older children, parents may encourage children to self- regulate screen time.
• Ensure quality screen time: parents might consider using parental control to block or filter out internet content, choosing apps that engage their child (rather than those that just require pushing and swiping), previewing apps before allowing their children to use it, and supervising during screen time.
• Teach about online privacy and safety: teaching internet safety may include teaching them not to believe everything they see on the internet, not opening a message from someone they don’t know, keeping their personal information private, and most importantly to ask for help from a trusted adult (parents, teachers) if they encounter a problem.
• Encourage to learn other activities: exposing children to other activities such as sports, music, and art will prevent them from being dependent on electronic devices and have a more balanced life.
• Teach appropriate behavior: children must learn appropriate behaviors online such as what is allowed and what is not allowed. For example, cyberbullying and sharing personal information online are not allowed. Parents may also discuss the risks of sharing photos, videos, or comments online, in that other people could share or misuse them.
• Interactive screen time: screen time replaces time spent interacting, reducing communication opportunities. Therefore, parents may consider interactive screen time. Parents may practice coviewing and describing what they see on the screen. Parents may also recognize and respond to the child’s communicative efforts by asking simple questions. In addition, parents may also relate visuals on the screen to real life. For example, if they see a dog on the screen, parents may assist their child in recalling previous instances of encountering a dog.

screen time, children, interactive screen time, guidelines, internet safety

Children 4 Years - 6 Years / 4 Tahun - 6 Tahun / Parenting / Pola Asuh / Family / Keluarga / Screen Time and Children: A Guideline

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