Our media devices have become a valuable part of our everyday lives and the way we communicate; we get text messages for our dentist appointments and e-vites for birthday parties. Mostly this is viewed as a helpful and informative tool for staying in contact with friends and family or receiving news updates and for educational purposes. But, as with most things, there is a limit; how much is too much? My goal is to look specifically at children and the short and long term effects that can result of excessive screen time or media time. This concern of children having too much media exposure is well validating in today’s society, as there are several researched health and social complications that can emerge.
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It states that children under age two should not have any exposure to TV, as the lights and sounds can be overstimulating. Children ages two to five can be allowed to watch one hour of TV per day, but even that one hour should be limited to PBS shows such as Sesame Street. It’s important to note that programs designed for young children do not help with their developing brain, despite the claims they make. For children ages six years and older can have a limited amount of media time but only after they have completed their other obligations, such as school and homework, one hour of physical activity, social contact and eight to twelve hours of sleep. If there is any time left over, that can be used as media time. In addition, there is also some great tips on how to decrease screen time: 1) children learn by example, be a good role model and limit your own screen time to two hours per day. 2) Do not allow your child to have a TV or computer in their bedroom. 3) Make a rule of no eating allowed while watching TV or using the computer. 4) Do not allow media time during meals or homework. 5) Do other family activities, such as board games or going for a walk.
“Screen time” is a term used to describe an activity that involves a screen, such as watching TV or playing video games. This is a very direct term and is intended to be so as it literally means the amount of time spent in front of a screen. I wouldn’t expect there to be an emotional response to this