Being in the Know!

Parenting children in this new age is challenging. The internet is everywhere and the access that children have to it is increasing daily. The internet itself is not a bad thing but it’s use should be monitored by parents, especially for children and adolescents. Screen time such as videos, YouTube, Tik Tok and social networking sites not only can cause adults to become absorbed in its uses, but can also take the attention of young infants (Kirkorian et al, 2015). Many Pedestrians and researchers have not only looked at the effects of internet use on children but have also come up with some common recommendations. Beal et al, reported that sharing the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations on screen time limits and the importance of high-quality programming with parents is helpful to negate some effects of screen time (2020). The AAP recommends that children under the age of 2 should not be using electronic devices and those at the age of 2 should not be exposed to more than 1 hour per day if the parent chooses (AAP council on Communications and media, 2016).  Setting strict guidelines for the use of tablets and phones can enhance not only the child’s attention toward the parents and the interactions of the world around them but if the parent also follows the guidelines, more space for interaction is created for both to bond (Radesky et al, 2013). Radesky et al observed multiple families and their interactions with smartphone and tablet use during meal times at popular restaurants (2013). The researchers observed parents who were “absorbed” by their phones, children absorbed with their own devices, those who did not have their devices out and the interactions between all three of the scenarios to what effects that the technology distractions (phones, tablets, etc..) had on the time that families spent together while eating at the restaurants (Radesky et al, 2014). The responses of the children whose parents were absorbed ranges from acceptance to being ignored to misbehaving/acting out in order to get attention as well as the parents acting harshly to those children acting out while trying to get the attention they are seeking. (Radesky et al, 2014). Mobile technology should not be used as a distractor to keep children from misbehaving. It has many benefits when used for educational learning or as a platform to stay in touch those who do not live close, however using it as a distraction of a child’s surroundings takes away the ability for the child to learn from the interactions with parents, caregivers and the world which is essential for children to learn some essential language, emotional and cognitive skills (Radesky et al, 2014).  It is also important to monitor the child’s use of tablets and computers. It is recommended by pediatricians that parents view and watch the media with their children to enhance the learning and to view the media's interactions with their child (Beal et al, 2020).  Radesky et al also covered this as it was found that parents who watch the content alongside their children were less absorbed and more focused on the interaction with the child at that moment (2014). These interactions open up opportunities for a better bond with the parent as well as better understanding of the content as the child can ask questions, spark conversations and feel that the parent is not ignoring them.