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 can be emotionally enhanced by watching videos chatting (like Skype or FaceTime) talks with relatives via video.
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, kids at this age have a problem translating the content of a 2D screen into their 3D world. However, studies have found that children from the age of 15 months and over can learn from digital media if a parent is there with them, translating them 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 between the ages of 2 and 5 may understand and acquire lessons from digital media. However, some data show that excessive reliance on media can spoil children's sleep, as well as their sociability, language, and cognitive development, if they sit in front of the TV for hours. The AAP recommends setting a limit of one hour a day in front of a screen and provided that it is viewing “high-quality” content. Again, the AAP recommends that parents and guardians should watch the screen with their children to help them.
For 6-year-olds and beyond, AAP again recommends limits on digital media, urging parents to check and make sure that time in front of a screen does not ruin a good night's sleep and other healthy habits. Finally, AAP suggests that parents should set the right example for healthy habits for digital media users.
