How to raise healthy children in the digital age

If we want our children to be healthy and able to maintain a relationship with other people, we need to change our approach to electronic devices. For more information about how to familiarize children with the technology, the pediatrician told Jenny Radescu. Layfhaker publishes its translation of the article.

Jenny Radescu (Jenny Radesky)

Pediatrician, researcher at the Boston Medical Center, the mother of two sons, the lead author of the new the provisions of the American Academy of Pediatrics on the use of electronic devices with small families children.

Basic principles

It is important to explain to children what the electronic media and a variety of devices - is not only a way to have fun. It is also a way to keep in touch with people. For example, communication via video will be appreciated by children of almost any age. Although very young children, of course, need the help of parents.

Another great way to use electronic devices, which will help develop the creative potential of the child, - to teach him to take pictures or record videos or songs.

Parents should also remember that a variety of devices - it's just a tool that helps in child rearingRather than a way to control their child, saving their time.

Advice for parents from the American Academy of Pediatrics

1. Children up to 18 months (and preferably even up to 2 years), it is not necessary to use digital media. The exception may be video calls.
2. If you want to introduce the electronic devices of the child between the ages of 18 to 24 months, carefully, draw the content and be sure to look at everything with the baby, do not let him use the device in alone.
3. Not necessarily to teach the child to work at an early age devices. Do not worry: the children quickly learn when they become older and begin to use technology at school.
4. For children 2 to 5 years, limit the time before the screen one hour. See the program with your child, explain what is happening and help to apply this knowledge in life.
5. Avoid too fast action, applications with a lot of annoying images and, of course, any programs that contain violence.
6. Turn off your TV and other devices, when finished with them.
7. Do not use electronic devices to calm the child.
8. Sami test your applications before offering their children play together and ask what the child thinks about a particular application.
9. During meal time, communication and play with your child, turn off all devices.
10. Make it a rule not to use electronic devices an hour before bed and remove them from the bedroom at night.

A full list of recommendations →

conclusions

Parents are always used for the child guides, explaining how the world around us. Therefore, if you want your children have grown up with the right concept of digital sources of information and know how to use electronic devices, but not depend on themYou have to teach them this. To do this, not just direct their advice, but also inspire by example.