Parents nationwide are utterly at a loss as to how to control their kids’ screen time. New federal guidelines urge even more stringent limits for very young children, fueling those worries. For Maddy Alexander-Grout, a mother of two, screen time is no big deal. There is no reason for fear. Even if tech isn’t truly “addicting,” Lavy refuses to impose rules and happily insists her children aren’t “addicted” to their gadgets. In fact, the recommendations would have children 2-5 years old enjoy only one hour of screen time per day. It encourages parents to make sure that kids under two are never on screens unattended.
The recommendations highlight the importance of limiting screen time at family mealtimes and in the hour before bed. Furthermore, the guidance acknowledges that not all screen time is created equal, encouraging parents to share screen experiences with their children when possible.
Hannah Deez, another parent, is taking a more combative stance. She limits her kids’ screen time, which she describes as a “no-brainer.” She contends, in part, that children learn better from one-on-one engagement with caregivers instead of via the screen.
“Children are sponges and they learn best from face-to-face time with a key caregiver – a parent, a teacher.” – Hannah Deez
Nik Bannister’s lived experience is a perfect metaphor for the realities of managing screen time. He started noticing behavioral changes in his son Josh after watching shows meant for children. Concerned about these changes, he and his wife significantly reduced Josh’s screen time, replacing it with activities like Lego and outdoor play.
Just like us, Sam Webb wants his screen time to be educational for his son Francesco. He concedes that on particularly blustery weekends, Francesco’s screen time can sometimes surpass the daily hour mark.
“If it’s raining outside and we’re all tired and we need to rest, for that downtime we’ll watch some TV.” – Sam Webb
Leah Robinson knows about too much screen time ruining kids’ attention spans, because she’s seen it through her work at a Title One school. Despite originally granting her son Owen unlimited screen time, she began reducing it. Even with these benefits, she said, Owen had a hard time once he started going to school because there were screens everywhere—even in the classroom.
“Let’s face it, sometimes we’re absolutely knackered, we’re tired, we’re poorly, or for some reason or another, screen time will be used.” – Leah Robinson
Diamond McGill represents the true spirit of “everything in moderation.” She tries to manage her children’s screen time, but says she has to get her kids comfortable for a world where screens are pervasive, such as in schools.
Mother Maddy Alexander-Grout sees their usefulness in a busy, modern world.
“If I didn’t have screen time for my kids, then I would never get anything done.” – Maddy Alexander-Grout
As families try to figure out how to apply these new guidelines with their personal lived experience, the dialogue around screen time remains fluid and unpredictable. Spectators of all ages are catching on to the new demand for balance. They have an appreciation for the challenges and opportunities that today’s technology presents to their children.
