A new study shows just 90 minutes of screen time daily can impact a child’s reading and writing ability, as well as cause behavioral problems.
Occupational Therapist Brittany Matthews said parents need to be actively involved with their child’s screen time. While many turn to devices like iPads, Matthews said there are more interactive options.
“Parents sometimes get hooked on, even though they’re saying oh its educational, they’re learning this and that but they’re only learning it in that one sense,” Matthews said. “Of just being able to watch it and its playing for them, there’s just not that much interaction there.”
Matthews said that parents have a responsibility to help their children avoid becoming too attached or reliant on the device. Matthews also said that having fun with your child beyond a video game or screen will help with everyday life skills. Matthews said that parents should be using their creativity to come up with activities for their child.
Matthews said as a mom of three, she uses social media for new ideas.
“It allows them to use so many different skills and develop those skills,” Matthews said. “And those things Sometimes have to be taught by doing and by making mistakes and using your creativeness to come up with different things to do as well.”
Matthews said that depending on the child’s age, each activity should be specialized. She said that games available for a $1 provide valuable opportunities for parent-child engagement. Matthews said that as a mom of three, she follows her own advice. She said she uses screen time as a positive reward rather than a babysitter. Matthews said that even the simplest of activities is better than technology.
“Kids will surprise you with what they can become entertained with and participate in,” Matthews said. “We may just get a couple things out and pick one thing for the day.”
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