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The study -

A new study ties parents' screen time habits to an increase in children accessing more "age-inappropriate" content.

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The odds -

The journal, BMC Pediatrics, published the study and noted that parents using screens in front of children as well as familial rules about devices were significantly linked to increased odds of kids watching not only R-rated movies but also playing more mature video games.

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Why did researchers want to study this? -

According to the study's author, Dr. Jason Nagata, the researchers wanted to study this particular area because currently, there's a lack of research available that can guide parents of young adolescents regarding media usage.

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Young adolescents -

The Academy of Pediatrics provides some general suggestions for kids five to 18 but it's also important to note that these young adolescents are unique—they're not small children but at the same time, they aren't full grown adults.

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How many adolescents were studied? -

Dr. Nagata and the other researchers analyzed data that included over 10,000 adolescents aged 12 to 13.

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How was the study conducted? -

For the study, parents would respond to a questionnaire that contained 14 statements. They would rate their agreement with statements such as, "I try to limit how much I use a screen-based device when I'm with my child" on a one (strongly disagree) to four (strongly agree) scale. 

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Adolescents' role in the study -

Adolescents also played a part in this study. They would self-report their exposure to more mature content by answering two specific questions: "How often do you watch R-rated movies?" and "How often do you play mature-rated video games?" on a scale from zero (never) to three (all the time).

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Findings -

The study found that as each unit increased in parental screen use, based on the point scale, there was an 11% increase in the likelihood that children would engage with mature video games and R-rated movies.

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What does it all mean? -

The study should encourage parents to monitor and limit their children's use of screens. Doing so can be quite challenging but it is very important. 

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Additional findings -

According to the study, adolescents who use screens frequently during meals and have a high level of bedroom screen time are more likely to be exposed to mature content.

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Developing screen time rules -

The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages the use of media, aside from video chatting, by children younger than 18 months. Once the child is a bit older, namely 18 to 24 months old, if you choose to introduce devices to them ensure they're consuming high-quality content and are accompanied by an adult when using the device.

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Recommendation -

It's advised to create a family media plan for your loved ones. Then you can set specific and practical guidelines for what works for your household.

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Will a one-size-fits-all approach work? -

One-size-fits-all approaches likely won't work, especially as your child gets older. Each day you'll need to decide how much media they can or should consume and what's appropriate for them to be accessing. 

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Tips for ensuring quality screen time -

There are some simple yet important tips to ensure your child is accessing quality screen time. One idea is to preview programs, games, or apps before your child uses them.

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Interactive options -

Additionally, try to find interactive options that actually engage your child as opposed to mindless scrolling.

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Parental controls -

You can also use parental controls to block or filter what your child has access to.

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Proximity -

While your child is using screens or devices, make sure you're close by so you can supervise his or her activities and encourage them to pursue more educational, interactive options.

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Ask questions -

You can also ask your child what programs, games, and apps they are engaging with that day. This can help build accountability for their actions.

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Discussions -

When you and your child are watching a program together, or using a digital device, try to discuss and educate your child about what you're watching or doing.

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Limits -

Set limits for older children and encourage them to have dedicated, unplugged time when they go outside and play.

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Additional limits -

Other ideas can include using an app to limit the length of time that your child has access to devices or even forbidding them to have devices in their bedrooms.

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Encourage digital literacy -

Encouraging digital literacy is important. While screen time and devices can have negative effects, they can also be great learning tools for children. Talk with your kid about things that might happen online and the behavior you expect.

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Critical thinking -

Teach your child to think critically especially when it comes to the content they engage with on their devices. Additionally, ask your child if they know how to tell if a website is trustworthy.

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Varying points of view -

Help your child understand that media is made by humans just like them who all have their individual points of view. Explaining that many companies send targeted ads can help your child know what to interact with and what not.

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Teach appropriate behavior -

Teaching your child what is allowed and what is not online can go a long way. Things like cyberbullying, not sharing personal information with strangers, and avoiding inappropriate relationships should all be discussed.

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Sharing -

Your child should know that what they see or share online can remain there forever and be distributed widely even without their knowledge. Educate them on best practices for safe content consumption and device use as a whole.

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Monitor their online behavior -

It's always a good idea to monitor your child's online and social media use despite their age. Mistakes are bound to happen so it's best you're there to help them learn from them.

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Set a good example -

Your child is always paying attention to and learning from you. Consider this as you engage with devices and be an example for your child.

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Continue monitoring throughout the years -

As your child gets older, continue working with them to ensure house rules for device use are being met and that they're consuming content that's helpful and age-appropriate. 

Sources: (CNN Health) (Mayo Clinic)

See also: Why are 'iPad kids' getting a bad rap?

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