How Much Screen Time Is Safe for Kids?

A BIPARTISAN GROUP ln Congress hopes to make it illegal for children younger than 13 to access social media and require parents to consent before teens younger than 18 can use those platforms.

In Utah and Arkansas, laws have already been enacted requiring parental consent for social media users younger than 18.

Some say the effort ls wasted, however, because social media organizations face challenges when it comes to verifying the ages of their users.

Past proposals have focused on creating privacy protections for kids who use social media and would require platforms to restrict ads targeted at kids that could potentially harm young users.

Some in the tech Industry have pushed back, saying such efforts would restrict constitutionally protected free speech.

Meanwhile, TikTok has a one-hour time limit for those younger than 18, but users can bypass it by punching in a password.

A few years ago, the World Health Organization Issued an advisory recommending that parents eliminate screen time for children younger than 1. For toddlers, WHO said, no more than one hour of sedentary screen time is healthy; and limiting or even eliminating screen time for children younger than 5 will help them be more physically active, sleep better and grow into healthier adults.

Screen time Isn't limited to using a computer, tablet, or phone. It also includes watching TV or playing videogames. Time flies by for the young screen user, and it often gives parents a needed break, but it also could mean the introduction of unwanted influences and missed opportunities for language and social skills development.

Consider establishing screen-free zones, like bedrooms and bathrooms, and screen-free times, like dinnertime and bedtime. You can also use parental controls to set time limits and content restrictions.

Another bonus of limiting screen time-including your own-ls a decrease In electrical demand to power up all those electronics.