Here’s How Much Screen Time You Should Give Your Child

Nowadays, screen time is something that needs to be managed, especially considering how much this generation depends on technology. Like other things, screen time can be a boon or bane in our lifestyles – depending on how we handle it. As parents, you obviously spend time with computers and other mobile devices for work to the point that you might forget to monitor your child’s screen time. One of the most guilt-inducing decisions you make as a parent is deciding how much screen time a child should get every day. 

Here are some of the ways for modern parents to handle screen time for their kids:

• Co-Viewing

Co-viewing is essential. Parents are frequently concerned about how much screen time is appropriate for their children. Look, there is no one-size-fits-all solution that will work for all families. When you co-view with your children, you can see and hear what they see and hear. You can form authentic conversations with your child while being exposed to some television shows and movies.

These TV shows and movies can provide various information and elicit intense emotions in your child. In order to have connections with them, you can ask questions while watching with them to help them gain a deeper perspective.

You can also have fun while co-viewing with your child. You can sing along and dance with them which in turn, makes great memories, but you must be careful to strike a balance between increased screen time and meaningful interaction and set clear restrictions that you adhere to.

• Language and Communication Skills

According to research, there is a 49% increase in the risk of expressive language delay for every 30-minute increase in screen time – which entails that too much screen usage puts children at risk for linguistic delays. 

It is better to spend more time with your child face-to-face.  As part of the developmental process of language and communication, it is normally advised against giving children too much screen time until they are consistently using words and you notice that they are adding new ones to their vocabulary- this demonstrates that they have a strong language basis.