When Necessary, Use Screen Time as a Learning Experience

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The amount of screen time you use is a family decision; however, when it’s necessary, instead of feeling guilty, here are ways to make it a learning experience rather than using it as a cheap “babysitter.”

Select appropriate content and discuss it with children. Content should be chosen based on the child’s current stage of development. Things to consider are the appropriateness of language, dramatic themes, and humor. Furthermore, content within a television program is an opportunity to talk about various exciting aspects of our enormous world. Asking questions is always helpful during television viewing. Try to avoid "static viewing" by responding to questions if characters address the audience. Parents as co-viewers can explain what is happening on the screen, by pointing to interesting objects or simply ask the child if they like what they see on screen.

Be humorous during viewing. When grown-ups giggle, it is due to something being funny. Surprisingly, preschoolers mimic the laughter of adults. In fact, 2- and 3-year-olds are prone to copycat laughter, which is a typical display of modeling as learning from adults in their environment. Things that preschoolers find funny are often impossible or inappropriate. Anything that goes against what children consider routine and predictable can trigger their sense of humor (Krenn, 2015; Simons, 2013). A wrong word or funny sound in responding to a character's onscreen question might get a little snicker, which then opens to a smile, which leads to a reciprocal bond. Yes! Give an incorrect answer! Bonding while playing has shown to promote strong relationships and encourage healthy development (Krenn, 2015; Milteer et al., 2012).

Involvement is a key factor and determinant of what a child understands after viewing. Children sometimes see things outside the home. Parents can only control factors to a certain degree and in today's time, peers are evermore a factor in media consumption. With proper guidelines and information, parents and children ought to see media as an enriching experience. If your child has questions about something they have seen outside the home, always discuss their uneasiness or confusion.

Try your best to limit access to about two hours per day, following screen time guidelines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (outside of schoolwork at this time). Most young viewers will want to watch for minutes on end. Bear in mind that television viewing is a privilege and not an all-day activity or replacement for reading or other supplementary educational activities (Krenn, 2016; Managing Media: We Need a Plan, 2013). Screen time is an opportunity to get some much-needed tasks checked off your list and it is OK to do so, as long as you stay within the screen time limits and monitor the selection of applications.

Television is not a full-time caregiver. The challenge for parents is not to use television as a “substitute babysitter.” Since children become enthralled with a show, it’s understandable why parents would want to use the opportunistic viewing time to give themselves a short break or to work. But if used occasionally, it can benefit everyone's mental health.

Give yourself and your kids a break once in a while, with a screen or not. At least with a screen, you will have a better plan.