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I recently read an article in the Guardian <\/a>about the perception that screen time from TVs, computers,\u00a0and mobile devices\u00a0has a negative\u00a0effect on children.\u00a0Do you agree?\u00a0The author certainly does not.<\/p>\n Etchells (2017) believes screen time is not inherently harmful to children, and focusing on screen time as a factor in children’s well-being is misplaced. His beliefs stem from evidence-backed research.<\/p>\n Findings from George and Odgers (2015)\u00a0indicate mobile technologies do not have a significant impact on adolescent safety, social development, and cognitive performance; rather, the opposite appears to be true — offline\u00a0circumstances seem to influence adolescent use of mobile technologies, for better or worse. Mills (2016) also provides\u00a0evidence that using digital technologies allows adolescents to adapt to the demands of today’s fast-paced, always-on culture.<\/p>\n Research from Biddle, Gorley, Marshall, Murdey & Cameron (2004) explored the connection between sedentary behaviours (e.g., watching TV and playing video games) and physical activity, finding no correlation between the two. A literature review conducted by Hinkley, Salmon, Okely, & Trost (2010) found similar results.<\/p>\n I\u00a0believe a child’s interactions with\u00a0technology\u00a0should not replace interactions between parent and child, but I see nothing wrong with using technology for education, entertainment, or engagement, especially in socially demanding situations (such as on an airplane or in long lineups).<\/p>\n I also believe screen time should not replace physical activity, and it is important to make time for both. These beliefs stem from personal experience as both a child and an adult. I watched a lot of TV\u00a0growing up,\u00a0and I\u00a0do not see any indications in my personal\u00a0life that I am worse off for it.<\/p>\n Experiencing first-hand\u00a0how\u00a0the blue light from devices\u00a0can negatively\u00a0affect sleep quality, I believe screen time should be\u00a0limited before\u00a0sleep. Unfortunately,\u00a0I enjoy reading my Kindle before bed, so I have yet to reconcile my beliefs with my actions.<\/p>\n My beliefs seem to align with Etchells. I appreciate having evidence (other than personal experience) that I can\u00a0use in conversations with other people who may not share my beliefs.<\/p>\n Biddle, S.J., Gorley, T., Marshall, S.J., Murdey, I., &\u00a0Cameron, N. (2004). Physical activity and sedentary behaviours in youth: issues and controversies. The Journal of the Royal Society for the Promotion of Health, 124<\/em>(1):29-33<\/p>\n Etchells, P., et al. (January 6, 2017). Screen Time Guidelines should be built on evidence, not hype<\/a>. The Guardian<\/i>.<\/p>\n George, M.J. & Odgers, C.L. (2015). Seven Fears and the Science of How Mobile Technologies May Be Influencing Adolescents in the Digital Age. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 10<\/em>(6):832-51. doi: 10.1177\/1745691615596788.<\/p>\n Hinkley, T.,\u00a0Salmon, J., Okely, A.D.,\u00a0& Trost, S.G. (2010)\u00a0Correlates of sedentary behaviours in preschool children: a review. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity,<\/span>\u00a0 <\/span><\/em>7<\/em>(66). <\/span><\/span>https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/1479-5868-7-66<\/a>.<\/p>\nEvidence suggests focusing on screen time is misguided<\/h3>\n
Personal experience has influenced my views on screen time<\/h3>\n
References<\/h4>\n