Digital Media​

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Digital Media: Promoting healthy screen use in school-aged children and adolescents is a Canadian Paediatric Society position statement that reviews the evidence for the cognitive, psychosocial and physical effects of digital media on school-aged children and adolescents. 

 

MANAGE screen use through plans, rules, and limits

 

• Make a family media plan that includes time and content limits

•  for each family member.

• Be present and engaged when children and youth are using screens.

• Whenever possible, watch together and talk about content.

• Discourage media multitasking, especially during homework.

• Follow your child or teen’s social media profiles.

• Speak to your children regularly about acceptable and unacceptable online behaviours.

 

 

Encourage MEANINGFUL screen use, so that time online serves as a purpose

 

• Ensure daily routine comes first: face-to-face interactions, sleep, physical activity, mealtimes.

• Choose screen activities with active, social or educational uses.

• Help children and youth to recognize and choose content appropriate to their age and stage.

• Play video games withyour kids. Ask about their experiences and encounters online. 

 

 

MODEL healthy screen use, because your kids are watching you

 

• Review your own media habits and be sure there is time for hobbies and outdoor activities.

• Never text or use hand-held devices while driving.

• Have daily “screen-free” times for the whole family, especially during meals.

• Turn off screens not in use, including background TV. 

• Keep screens out of bedrooms.

 

MONITOR for signs of problematic screen use

 

• Seek help from your child’s doctor if you’re concerned.

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How much is TOO much?

 

Some signs of problematic screen use at any age include:

 

• Complaining about being bored or unhappy without access to technology.

• Oppositional behaviour in response to screen time limits.

• Screen use interfering with sleep, school or face-to-face interactions.

• Screen time interfering with offline play, physical activities or socializing.

• Negative emotions following screen use.

 

If these signs are persistent or interfere with family life, ask your child’s doctor for help.

 

More information for parents is available at www.caringforkids.cps.ca

 

 

Reference:

Canadian Paediatric Society 

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