Summer screen time woes? Here's what doctors say about it

It’s summer, which is a great time to let the kids relax and enjoy some much-needed downtime. Unfortunately, if you’re like most parents, more free time for kids may also mean more screen time battles.

While many parents may consider relaxing their screen time rules during the summer, experts explain that doing so might not be the best idea.

“In general, it is best to keep consistency with family rules – even during the summer,” said Dr. Adam Ottley with UNC Pediatrics at Garner. “Time off from school provides a great opportunity for more family time and physical activity.”

The Research on Screen Time is In

Screen time, as explained by doctors, typically includes the use of any computer, tablet, smartphone, TV or other electronic device – even when the screen is being used for schoolwork or studying.

What’s the problem with too much screen time, your kids may ask? Here’s some research to back you up.

Brain Connectivity Differences

A study by the Cincinnati Children’s Research Foundation showed that brain connectivity is increased by the time children spend reading books, while brain connectivity is decreased by the length of exposure to screen-based media. The study underscores the importance of reading to support healthy brain development and literacy and the value of limiting screen time.

“Too much screen time can also lead to a lack of emotional bonding and physical closeness,” Dr. Ottley said.

Lower Test Scores

Another study being conducted by the National Institutes of Health is gaining national attention, although the research – which includes a $300 million study that is following 11,000 kids for a decade – is still underway.

Preliminary data demonstrates clear differences in MRI studies among children who use smartphones, tablets or video games for more than seven hours a day when compared to those who don’t. Interviews and data from the NIH study also indicate that children who spend more than just two hours a day on screens earned lower scores on thinking and language tests.

Addiction, Mental Health Issues

Research also indicates that screens and smartphones can be particularly addictive for kids. In one study, MRI scans of teens following Instagram show their dopamine receptors lighting up when they scroll through their feed, literally feeding the same receptors that cause addiction.

Other studies link the use of social media to mental health problems like depression and anxiety. In a month-long experiment at the University of Pennsylvania, those who limited social media use to just 30 minutes per day reported a real decrease in negative feelings such as depression and loneliness.

How Much Screen Time Is Appropriate?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, here is the breakdown of how much screen time is recommended by age.

Screen Time Recommendations (by Age)

• Children under 18 months should have zero screen time. After 18 months of age, they recommend only small amounts of “high-quality programming” and to balance that with active play and face-to-face interactions.
• Kids ages 2 to 5 should have screen time limited to one hour or less a day, again emphasizing high-quality programming and parents co-viewing media to help children understand what they are seeing and how to apply it to the world around them.
• For children 6 years and older, the AAP doesn’t provide a set timeframe, but recommends placing consistent limits on the time spent using media and the types of media, making sure that media does not displace healthy habits like exercise, sleep, and interaction with family and friends.

Make a Plan and Stick to It

If your family struggles with how to handle screen time boundaries, the AAP offers a great online family media planning tool, which can help you develop a plan that’s customized for each child.

The tool may help you set screen time curfews, as well as designate media-free zones and times. Here are some questions to consider when developing a media or screen time plan.

• How much screen time will each child be allowed per day or week?
• How will the screen time be tracked?
• What tools, if any, will you use to monitor their activity?
• Do you want to establish non-negotiable media-free times such as mealtime, an hour before bed, etc.?
• When will your child be allowed to have their own device? Will you monitor their activity and/or have access to their passwords?
• How will you teach your children about online safety, cyberbullying, etc.?

It’s important for parents to be a part of the solution, said Dr. Jill Wright of UNC Pediatrics at Garner. “As parents, we set the example for appropriate screen time use, so we have to remember to put down our own devices, too,” she said. “Also, allowing children to have a TV or tablet unsupervised in their bedroom might encourage screen time overuse, so it’s best to avoid this scenario.”

5 Summer Tips for Avoiding Screen Time

With more free time on your hands, most parents will need to get creative. Here are a few solid tips to get you through the rest of the summer without relying on screens.

Listen up

If kids (or parents) need downtime, try listening to an audiobook. Research shows that listening to audiobooks has a positive impact on literacy for kids. Plus, unlike with TV, listening requires kids’ to use imagination, painting pictures in their heads of what they are hearing. Devices such as Alexa offer dozens of storytime apps – your kids can listen to new and exciting stories every day or a full audiobook.

Get cooking

Let your kids help with meal planning and prep – it’s something you have to do anyway, and most kids will love the opportunity to have a say in what’s for dinner.

Park it

Raleigh has an incredible parks and recreation system – choose a new park to visit each week.

Get crafty

When it’s too hot or stormy outside, get creative. Whether your child enjoys painting, beading, coloring or building – encourage kids to use their hands to create their own masterpiece.

Cool down with water play

We’re fortunate to have numerous splash pads and great swimming pools throughout the area – your kids may enjoy getting out of the house or you can create your own “water park” with a hose or sprinkler in the yard.

Avoiding screen time battles is a challenge for nearly every parent. Take the last month or so of summer to offer your kids some fun alternatives to zoning out in front of the tablet.

Chances are, they’ll enjoy it as much as you do.

Coleen Hanson Smith is a Raleigh mom of three and freelance writer.