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How much is too much? -

Kristy Goodwin, a digital well-being expert, has some great tips on the subject. First of all, it's useful to examine how much time is enough and how much time is too much?

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Babies and young toddlers don't need screens -

Up to 18 months it’s generally agreed upon that children shouldn't be looking at screens at all.

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The developing brain -

Their brains are still developing at a very primal level, and the noise and stimulation that they’ll typically get from screens can be overwhelming.

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It can be harmful -

According to Goodwin, it’s very harmful to children and toddlers. Their minds are vulnerable at this stage.

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Between two and five -

Between two and five years of age, it’s recommended that children shouldn’t be on screens for more than an hour a day.

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Monitor young children's screen time -

Those children who are six years and older need to be closely monitored. They will likely spend too much time on screens, which interferes with sleep, learning, and play.

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Screen time distracts from what children need -

Goodwin states that: “Research confirms that kids have seven basic needs; relationships, language, sleep, play, physical activity, nutrition, and executive function skills. And excessive screen time can erode opportunities for these basic needs to be met."

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Some 85% of the brain develops before three years of age -

“This is a particular concern for babies and toddlers whose brains are rapidly developing. Science tells us that [85%] of brain architecture is established before age three!”

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Be a role model -

Being a positive role model is probably the most powerful thing that a parent can do. This way a child will recognize for themselves that always being on the screen isn’t normal.

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Turn it off every now and again -

Parents can, now and again, step away from the computer, put down the iPad, turn off their phones, and switch off the TV.

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Children are a product of their environments -

Children are in every sense a product of their environments. If both parents are reading all the time, usually the children will be avid readers, too.

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Limit screen time with a specific time -

Before the screens are turned on, a time should be set where the child has to put it away. A limit should be established. 

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Avoid temper tantrums -

This way it eliminates the possibility of the child and parent arguing about whether or not it’s time to put it away because you already have an agreement.

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Appropriate markers for limiting screen time -

Children who are a little younger should be given limited time in a way that doesn’t incorporate time. For example, they should be told they can play one mission or watch one episode.

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Children lose track of time -

Games and TV shows are unnaturally stimulating, and they mess with children’s neural reward systems. They lose track of time.

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Children have a loose grip of the concept of time -

Most children under the age of six specifically don’t have as strong a conceptual grasp of time, so you’re setting yourself up for a tantrum if you set limits in terms of time with them. Unless your child is a genius, it's best not to set time limits.

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Limits -

Furthermore, instead of giving vague time limits for screens, it’s always best to set specific times when children can use their screens. For example, they might not be allowed to use any screens after 8 pm.

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Get them outside -

Since you cannot expect children to put down the screen and go outside themselves, you have to schedule time for them to be outside.

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Nature heals and soothes the mind -

Nature recalibrates the brain and calms people down—it’s scientifically proven. For your children to be healthy and to avoid them garnering unhealthy habits (a lack of outdoors and exercise), get them outside.

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Everything is done on a screen these days -

It’s very important to note what they’re doing on the screen. There’s a big difference between gaming for seven hours straight and doing homework, chatting with friends, or reading.

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Exposure to heavy or inappropriate content -

When children come to a certain age, it’s advantageous for them to know about what’s going on in the world (at least in part). However, they shouldn’t be consuming the news all day.

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Teens need routines -

Routine is huge for teens, and so is having a creative outlet to deal with the emotional turmoil of coming to terms with themselves and the world around them.

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Screen time ends long before bed time -

Screen time is the opposite of bedtime. One of the single most effective ways of improving your quality of sleep is to put away the screen.

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Meal time as a screen-free period -

Another simple rule is to just put away the screen at mealtimes. Relationships are the most important thing for our health and happiness, and are worth investing in from any age. Furthermore, mealtimes are very important as children learn to socialize.

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Responsible use of technology -

If you haven’t realized by now, screens are here to stay. At this stage, it’s about learning to live with them by using them healthily and responsibly.

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Children need to be taught -

Parents need to help and teach their children about technology as they grow up based on their developmental news. Parents also need to mitigate risks.

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There are tools and services that help -

Some apps can help ban certain sites, for instance. There are tools and expert advice out there, so no parent should feel overwhelmed.

Sources: (Children and Screens) (The Healthy Mummy)

See also: Celebrities give their best parenting advice

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