The American Academy of Pediatrics left behind “screen time recommendations” years ago because technology allows us to communicate, organize, learn important skills, and find entertainment. The AAP acknowledges, “Digital media includes television, the internet, social media, video games, and interactive assistants. Today’s ‘digital ecosystem’ … can no longer be thought of as ‘screen time’ for families to manage.”
In the brand new Digital Ecosystems Policy Statement, the AAP create helpful recommendations for how teens and families and :
SCREEN OUT low-quality content that may not be worth your time:
- Streaks – streaks are created to encourage daily play
- Creepy content – creepy, violent, or discriminatory information
- Rewards – reinforcements for play, such as stars or coins, are frequent
- Escape is hard – difficult to exit or transition away from the platform
- Excessive ads – frequent pop-ups, ads, or commercials
- Nagging – prompted often for subscriptions or engagement
- Over-the-top – content includes challenges or shocking content
- Unwanted contact – strangers allowed to message the user
- Toys – potential purchases or play features are highlighted
CROWD OUT or SWAP OUT the screen with other options:
- Sports
- Music
- In-person time with friends and family
- Volunteer or service
- Outdoor exploration
- Rest time that includes reading or sleeping
Parents and educators can encourage higher quality content in the digital ecosystems our kids are learning from if we teach, review, and reinforce these recommendations both at home and at school.