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Screen Time for Under 6s
The American Academy of Paediatrics discourages media use for children younger than 18-24 months, with the exception of video chatting. For children aged 2-5 years one hour of screen time involving high-quality programming such as those involving music, movement and stories can be beneficial.
Do you agree that children who are 5 and 6 should have 1 hour of screen time, or is it more/less than that? What programs do you allow your child to use and find beneficial?
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While I agreed with the AAP recommendation of 1 hour of screen time for very young preschoolers (0-3) years of age, I believe we can stretch it out a bit further for 4 year olds and even further still for 5 year olds. It all depends on the content of the digital media – not all programs have the same value and it is unfair to place them all under one umbrella!
Some of our favorite programs have been:
– Numberblocks (an amazing show for development of number sense)
– Alphablocks (for phonics)
– Pete the Cat (for social development)
– Any number of documentary type shows (not geared towards young kids, but they can expose kids to new concepts, ideas, etc)
– Travel shows (again, great for learning about the world, especially as we cannot travel freely just yet)
Favorite Apps:
– Endless Alphabet
– Bugs and Numbers
– Math Tango
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I think the really question is why are they watching TV? Is it being used as a babysitter? Or perhaps a teacher? Maybe for entertainment?
Then the next question to ask is, what is a better way to accomplish what you’re trying to achieve? If it’s for a babysitter perhaps they could instead be playing gamified engineering programs. Same for goes for if the TV is acting teacher. If it’s entertainment they want, why not go swimming or hiking or learn to make homemade ice cream or jump on the trampoline? For me, this response goes for everyone, not just under a certain age.
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