Screens have become a feature of everyday life – everywhere we go they encourage us to watch, touch and interact with them, whether it is entertainment, shopping or even just checking in at the doctor’s surgery.
The NSPCC knows how important a balanced use of screens can be for families and shared this article about recent expert guidance on children using screens at home.
Whether using computers at school or tablets for homework, our children’s lives centre a lot more around screens than they used to.
But away from education, it’s important families don’t become too reliant on screens when it comes to entertaining or keeping young children occupied. The NSPCC recently welcomed the new Government guidance which advised parents and carers that under-5s should spend no more than an hour a day on screens.
As well as a 60-minute limit, the guidance also advises that when children are using screens families should ensure they avoid fast-paced, social media-style videos and toys and tools that use artificial intelligence.
In addition, it’s important to keep bedtimes and mealtimes screen-free, with the suggestion that parents and carers should instead use background music, table games, bedtime stories and art.
The Government is also recommending that parents and carers should watch any screens with their children and avoid letting them use them alone.
There are studies which show that extended exposure to screens at a young age can impact on a child’s language development. Studies also show that spending extended periods of time in front of screens can have a negative impact on sleep, physical activity, creative play and interaction with others.
The panel which drew up the new guidance has also recommended that parents and carers should also become a digital role model and think about their own screen use in front of children and also consider screen-free time for all the family.
The NSPCC welcomes this guidance and the recognition from the Government that early years is a critical time for establishing healthy habits for children’s physical and social development around screens and technology.
We know that many families are feeling overwhelmed when navigating today’s fast-changing digital environments. This kind of guidance and advice is crucial to give parents and carers the knowledge they need to keep their children safe.
With screen use increasing rapidly for some of our youngest children – and with that their exposure to online harm – it has never been more vital to understand and meet the unique needs of babies and young children.
Online safety is not only an issue for older children and teenagers – early education and support are key to preventing harm and helping parents and carers protect their children and built a health relationship with technology as they grow.
To help parents and carers the NSPCC has created Techosaurus, a friendly dinosaur who can help families have those tricky conversations with their children about using technology and the internet.
Techosaurus can help your children to form healthy online habits, routines and behaviours from an early age and build basic knowledge and skills related to online safety.
You can find out all about Techosaurus and access resources which will help you guide your children at www.nspcc.org.uk/advice-for-families/techosaurus/
And if you’re struggling with finding activities to do with your toddlers then why not look at the NSPCC’s Look, Say, Sing, Play which encourages ways to interact with young children that will also aid their early development. Not only does it give you a chance to have fun with your children, you can also make your bond even stronger.
You can sign up for weekly tips which can give you ideas of how to interact with your children whether it’s bathtime, bedtime or you’re washing up. To find out more about Look, Say, Sing, Play go to www.nspcc.org.uk/advice-for-families/look-say-sing-play
Adults with concerns about children can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk
Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or go to childline.org.uk