American pediatricians have issued new recommendations for the use of monitors by children in an effort to adapt to an ever-changing landscape as far as the use of digital media is concerned.
Η The American Academy of Pediatrics has rewritten its reflection on the use of digital media by children, giving parents more relaxed recommendations than those of the past.
More specifically, the academy took back its strict ban on screens for children aged 0 to two years old, which had been in effect since 1999. Now, the AAP recognizes that even very young children can benefit from certain types of screen media, as long as they are supervised by parents and guardians. Observational studies show that babies under 18 months of age can be emotionally strengthened by video chatting (such as Skype or FaceTime) video conversations with relatives.
From 18 to 24 months, AAP says babies can now use digital media with educational content, in the presence of a parent or caregiver. AAP states that “due to immaturity of memory and attention skills, infants and young children can not be educated by traditional digital media alone.
Basically, children at this age have trouble translating the content of a 2D screen in their 3D world. But studies have found that children as young as 15 months old can learn from digital media if a parent is there with them, translating and repeating what they see.
When AAP was asked why the new recommendation distinguishes children aged 18 to 24 months rather than 15 to 24 months, the Academy replied that most young children are knowledgeable from the age of 18 months to learn from monitors with the help of the parent .
The American pediatricians note that children aged 2 to 5 years can understand and learn lessons through digital media. However, some evidence suggests that excessive media dependence can impair children's sleep, as well as their sociability, language, and cognitive development, if they sit in front of the television for hours. AAP recommends setting a limit of one hour per day in front of a screen and provided it sees "high quality" content. Again, AAP recommends that parents and guardians should watch the screen with their children to help.
For children age 6 and older, the AAP again recommends digital media limits, urging parents to controland make sure screen time doesn't ruin a good night's sleep and other healthy habits. Finally, the AAP suggests that parents should set the right example for the healthy habits that children should have. users of digital media.
