The screen time struggle: Setting boundaries for toddlers without guilt
Between housework, work emails and trying to drink your tea while it’s still warm, a screen can seem a lifesaver. How much is too much? And how best can you manage it?
With cellphones, laptops and tablets so much part of our busy lives, the temptation to use them to distract, entertain, and help educate our little ones from an early age can be great. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that until they are 18 months old, screen time should be limited to the likes of video chatting with a parent who is out of town or a grandparent living abroad.
WHO guidelines stress that children under five need to spend less time sitting watching screens and more time in active play and getting adequate sleep. For children aged 18-24 months, it’s recommended that screen time should be restricted to watching educational programmes with a caregiver; and for those aged 2-5, non-educational screen time should be around an hour on weekdays, and 3 hours on Saturdays and Sundays.
“Early childhood is a period of rapid development, and screen time can affect that,” says Johannesburg-based psychologist Karin Steyn. Research suggests that too much can increase your little ones’ risk of becoming overweight through being less physically active, affect their quality of sleep – especially if they watch near bedtime – and according to a Wits University study, influence their language development. It may also reduce their attention spans.
How should you manage screen time?
1. Set clear boundaries with confidence, love and consistency, says Steyn. It can help to use a visual timer, so little ones can see when their screen time draws to an end, or give a verbal reminder five minutes before then. Tell them, “When the timer goes, it’s time to go outside and play” or “it’s reading time”, but try to wait for a scene to end or for a commercial break. Avoid screens about an hour before bed, or they may be too hyped up to sleep well.
2. Have screen-free options at hand – play dough, water play or drawing stations, puzzles, sticker books or audio books. Ensure they have at least an hour of active play each day, preferably outdoors, and that they get opportunities for face-to-face interactions with other children, perhaps in play groups or at parks. This is important for their social and emotional development, Steyn says.
3. Model healthy screen habits. Keep your phone out of sight at mealtimes, be truly present when playing with them, and don’t leave the TV on in the background.
4. Choose their screen content carefully. Prioritise age-appropriate educational and interactive programmes, especially those that encourage storytelling, singing, problem solving, or being active. Trusted options include Takalani Sesame, Bluey and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. Be guided by programming ratings and reviews such as those at www.commonsensemedia.org/.
5. Whenever you can, watch with your little one – that way you can help them make sense of what they are seeing, and relate it to their world, says Steyn. Explain to them about advertising and commercials.
6. Use parental controls to filter or block internet content. See that your child is near you during screen time so you can supervise their activities. Don’t allow screens in their room at night.
7. If occasionally you let them go over the time limit, especially on weekends or when travelling, don’t beat yourself up. Modelling patience, flexibility and adaptability is also a lesson your little ones, says Steyn.
If you have concerns about their screen time, talk to your healthcare provider. If problems persist, ask for a referral to a qualified child psychologist.
