Time to Leave the Screens Behind!

By Heather Bywaters RN PHN

We all have had too much screen-time during the COVID-19 pandemic. This increased screen use could not be avoided during lockdown. We needed to work and go to school online. We also had to keep our children occupied and stimulated when options for activities were so restricted. Now that our community is reopening and the beautiful summer weather is here, it is time leave the screens behind and prioritize active outdoor activities! For some great local ideas, check out: https://familyinfo.ca/en/

The Canadian Pediatric Society recommends:

No screen time for children under 2 years of age
Less than 1 hour a day for children between the ages of 2-5 years.

Negative effects of screen time:

Increased risk of childhood obesity
Decreased time spend in active outdoor play
Less face to face time with you which affects their learning of communication skills and vocabulary
Less time spent building the all-important attachment relationship between parent and child

Other things to consider:

You know your child best. Do you notice an increase in negative behaviour after your child has been exposed to screens?
Did you know that background TV has an adverse effect on children? They are easily distracted and are less active while they play. Put on some music instead.
Did you know that screen use close to bedtime can interfere with sleep (for both adults and children) due to light and stimulation? Turn off screens an hour before bedtime and establish a calming bedtime routine that includes reading books.
It is important to watch media with your children and talk about what you are viewing. You can help them build on past knowledge and help them apply what they are learning in the future.
If you have children of different ages it can be difficult to find something that is suitable for everyone. You may have to limit the older child’s viewing to when the younger one is asleep or not present.
When you pick your child up from school or childcare, put your phone away so they can tell you about their exciting day! It’s a great time to have important discussions or sing together instead of turning on a screen.
Your behaviour and attitude towards screens will influence your child more than anything. Remember, there is always someone watching you!

Foot Notes:

Digital Health Task Force Committee. Canadian Pediatric Society. (2017, June). Screen time and young children.
Retrieved from https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/screen-time-and-young-children

Zero to Three. (2018). Screen time.
Retrieved from https://www.zerotothree.org/espanol/screen-time

Child and Youth Network, London, Ontario. (2018). It all starts with words. I’ll know how to unplug.
Retrieved from http://www.2000wordstogrow.ca/

For more information:
https://www.healthunit.com/screen-time

Heather Bywaters RN PHN
Middlesex-London Health Unit
For the Middlesex-London Community Early Years Partnership