Setting Limits on Screen Time for Children (6-to-12 Years): The Integral Role of Parents and Educators.

Megan Hastie

doi:10.12688/f1000research.75661.1

Abstract

This paper investigates the effects of screen time on child development and cognition and the setting of ‘safe’ screen time limits for young children, specifically children aged 6-to-12 years. Guidelines on screen time vary across constituencies, and the debate around screen time is contentious with many questions yet to be answered. A review of literature was undertaken to compare current screen time recommendations against the evidence from Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Psychology and Pediatrics that quantify screen time effects on the children's brain development. Based on this comparison, conclusions are made that can guide education policies around ‘remote learning’ and ‘home schooling’ to align them with the available research on the effects of screen time on children and inform a re-evaluation of the role of parents and educators in the setting of ‘safe’ limits on screen time.

Highlights

The debate around screen time for children is contentious
This paper investigates the effects of screen time on child development and cognition and the setting of ‘safe’ screen time limits for young children
While it is acknowledged that genetics and everyday experiences and relationships combine to shape early brain development, it is the timing and quality of early experiences, including screen time, that shape the architecture of the brain (Harvard University, 2004, p.2; 2008, p.1)

Summary

10 Jan 2022 view

1. Antje Hebestreit , Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology BIPS, Bremen, Germany. Digital media, children, adolescents, brain development, cognition, neuroimaging, cerebral cortex, ADHD, Internet addiction, COVID-19, remote and distance learning. Author roles: Hastie M: Conceptualization, Formal Analysis, Writing – Original Draft Preparation, Writing – Review & Editing. Grant information: The author did not receive any funding for this work. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. How to cite this article: Hastie M. Setting Limits on Screen Time for Children (6-to-12 Years): The Integral Role of Parents and Educators.

Introduction

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12-5. Reference Source

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