Screen Time Use For Toddlers Has More Than Doubled Since The 90s

Screen time has more than doubled for children under 2 years old since 1997, according to a new study published in the JAMA Pediatrics journal. And despite all the devices our kids now have access to, it’s still TV that has them hooked.

Researches from the University of Michigan collected data from parents between 1997 and 2014 and found that for children under the age of 2, daily screen time went from 1.32 hours in 1997 to 3.05 hours in 2014. Television accounted for over 2½ hours of screen time in 2014, compared to half an hour in 1997.

For children ages 3 to 5, screen time averaged 2.47 hours in 1997 and did not change significantly by 2014, but TV also came to represent the majority of the screen time; going from just over an hour in 1997 to over two hours in 2014.

Child-development experts say too much time in front of the TV and electronic devices can delay toddlers development of critical life skills. 

“Screen time can be addictive for any age, particularly for young children, as they don’t have a developed concept of time and ability to delay gratification,” says Alina Kirievsky from Eastern Suburbs Child Psychology.

It also puts young children at risk of behaviour problems, sleep deprivation, delays in social emotional development and obesity.

“The more they spend on the screens, the harder it is for them to stop and find something else to do, which can result in tantrums,” explains Alina. “Young children need the opportunity for concrete, sensory learning, where they are actively involved in the learning experience. Screens work against that by not actively engaging children.”

Studies have shown that 2-year-olds with higher amounts of screen time often scored lower on screening tests for communication, fine and gross motor skills, problem solving, and social skills. 

How Much Screen Time Is Ok?

The guidelines suggest that children under 18 months should avoid screen time altogether, other than video-chatting with friends or family.

Children aged 18 months to 2 years can watch or use high-quality programs or apps with adult supervision and children aged 2-5 years should have no more than one hour a day of screen time, again with adults watching or playing with them.

As Alina says, screen time (if any) should be limited with toddlers. “They still lack the abstract reasoning and memory to understand that the image on the screen is a representation of a real life object and they are better of learning by touching things, playing with physical things."

And despite the convenience, Alina personally says she would not let children use screens at family times and in restaurants. “Children miss out on developing social and emotional skills if they miss out on family conversations,” she explains.

Quality Time With Family, Not Screens

As the saying goes, the best learning app is a lap, and more time spent interacting with our children is key to their development.

“Yes, there are some learning gains of educational apps, but they are limited,” says Alina. “Their social, emotional and physical needs are not met by the use of excessive screen time.”

Alina suggests reading books together, putting puzzles together, playing simple board games, role playing, going on outings to playgroups, catching up with friends, music/sport activities, museums as great ways to spend quality time with your young child.

“Of course, there would be days when a parent is unwell or things don’t go to plan or the weather is bad and your toddler ends up being on the screen for more than you planned! Rest assured that there will be no harm from those occasional times and look after yourself!”

How Can Parents Limit Screen Time (Without The Tantrums)?

• The longer the child stays on the screen, the harder it is to stop them. Try for shorter snippets of time (eg. 15 minutes) which is more developmentally appropriate for a toddler, whose attention span is short.
• If your child is on the screen for 30min+, give several warnings of 10mins and then 5mins. Use a timer for this purpose.
• Be prepared for some tantrums, but they will be short lived if you stick to the rules.
• Choose appropriate shows: for a preschooler, screens can help (if limited) to gain some cognitive and language skills. There are some great kids’ shows on ABC Kids that help exposed them to good simple language and social situations from which they can learn.

Thanks to Hasbro: This article is brought to you in partnership with Hasbro Gaming our Supporting Brand Partner for the Unplug & Play Initiative.

Screen Free Ideas Here:

• 6 of the Best Games For Developing Fine Motor Skills 
• How To Host The Perfect Game Night With Friends And Family  
• Tear Your Kids Away From Screens With This Fun New Hasbro Monopoly Game

Find out more about the services offered at Eastern Suburbs Child Psychology here.