Parents are frequently faced with news articles related to the latest research data along with recommendations related to screen time use by chidden and teens.  Also, various professional organizations publish new or revised guidelines suggesting appropriate limits for the use of digital devices for different age groups.

Just last week the press carried news of the World Health Organization (WHO) releasing new guidelines recommending no screen time for all children under 2 and no more than one hour for children between two and four.  These are similar to recommendations published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in 2016.

The news articles rarely define screen time and thus parents may think it only pertains to specific devices.  However, these guidelines usually pertain to all devices including watching TV, movies, computers, video games, phones, and tablets.

Most parents are busy and don't have time to devise a plan.  Simply taking the devices away or insisting on strict time limits usually does not provide good results.

In a recent article on Parenting Today, child psychologist Dr. Robert Myers outlines some of the most recent research and provides some suggestions for not just curtailing use but lifestyle changes consistent with the AAP guidelines.  These suggestions are meant to apply to the entire family and promote more outdoor physical activity, more family interaction along with encouraging creative playtime for younger children and constructive actives for older children and teens. 

Dr. Myers is the author of a newly released book, The Well-Balanced Family: Reduce screen time and increase family fun, fitness and connectedness".