HOUSTON Mo. -- In recent years, parents have heard from physicians and educators about how terrible screen time is for children. Vast research has linked increased screen time to obesity, psychological issues, sleep disturbances, and behavioral issues.
However, many parents found the recommended limits set for screen time in our technology-driven society were very hard to follow, according to Janice Emery, 4-H youth development specialist with the University of Missouri Extension.
"Our society is using more technology every day, so rather than resist these changes when it comes to children, it is better to find a healthy way to embrace it," said Emery.
Last fall, the American Academy of Pediatrics revised their recommendations on screen time for children. The AAP now recommends using the Family Media Use Plan Tool and recommends tailoring screen time to each family's needs. According to the AAP, for school-aged children and adolescents, the idea is to balance media use with other healthy behaviors.
"Technology, like anything else, should be used in moderation. Unplugged playtime is still important, especially for very young children, as play is how they learn and develop properly," said Emery.
"Even with broader screen time limits, screen-free zones are still important. For example, preserve mealtime or morning commutes to school for talking and family interaction rather than looking at a screen," said Emery.
Doing this keeps screen time reasonable and encourages healthier eating and sleeping habits.
"Parenting itself has not changed. Parents still need to be mindful of what their children are doing, who they are interacting with, and what content they are using regardless of their age," said Emery.
Screen time creates another environment that can have positive or negative consequences according to Emery.
"Do not be fooled into thinking that just because content is labeled as educational that it is. Try using the Common Sense Media Organization, as they review age appropriate games and programs," said Emery.
University of Missouri 4-H integrates technology in many different projects. Members of 4-H can learn to use technology responsibly while forming STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) skills in projects like Lego Robotics, or, for example, using technology to keep track of their animal's weight and feed costs in a livestock project.
"Parents and children have opportunities to bond, share interests, and learn new skills in 4-H which makes 4-H a way for families to spend unplugged or educationally approved screen time together. 4-H'ers are also more likely to grow up to be civilly responsible adults," said Emery.
4-H offers parents and children opportunities to bond, share interests, and learn new skills. 4-H'ers are also more likely to grow up to be civilly responsible adults.
Residents of southwest Missouri can contact any of these 4-H youth development specialists and educators with MU Extension. For more information contact Jennifer Hancock in Christian County, 417-581-3558; Krista Tate in Howell County, 417-256-2391; Bob McNary in Jasper County, 417-358-2158; Karla Deaver in Lawrence County, 417-466-3102; Mike Coffey in Newton County, 417-455-9500; Velynda Cameron in Polk County, 417-326-4916; Willa Williams in Taney County, 417-546-4431; or Janice Emery in Texas County, 417-967-4545.
General News on 07/13/2017