Devices
When it comes to thinking about screens and our tamariki, there are many variables that make a difference. These include the age of the child, the content they’re engaging with, and the amount of time they spend using screens. And of course, any screen use is occurring in the wider context of tamariki and whānau lives.
Content matters
The content that tamariki are watching, or interacting with, matters. If they are using screens, it needs to be appropriate for their age. Content that’s intended for older children can lead to increased fear and anxiety when viewed by younger children. Even content that is intended for a young audience can be distressing for some tamariki.
Areas that can be negatively affected
Sleep
Sleep is necessary for survival, and inadequate sleep is associated with a variety of poor health effects. In the early years, sleep is important for early brain development.
In particular, screen use before bed, as well as having devices in bedrooms overnight, can delay and disrupt sleep throughout childhood.
It’s not only viewing shortly before bed that can affect sleep; the overall amount of viewing throughout the day matters too.
Well-being and behaviour
Devices such as phones and tablets are increasingly being used to help manage children’s behaviour. While this might seem to work in the short term, if this happens often, they may be missing opportunities to learn to manage their range of emotions, potentially increasing social and emotional difficulties later on. It might not be fun, but when parents support their tamariki with their feelings (rather than handing over a phone or tablet), they’re building their relationship and providing valuable learning opportunities that will support their child’s development.
Find out more
Brainwave Trust aims to educate everyone involved in the life of a child about the importance of early experiences on brain development and their lifelong impact. Brainwave’s vision is that all children in Aotearoa New Zealand are valued and nurtured so they can reach their potential.
Device debates in your house?
A great idea I have heard recently is… however long your child commits to reading at home after school, they can have the same amount of time on a device ie: one hour of reading allows them to have one hour on their device! Also, on IPads you can use guided access that can restrict the time and app that your child is using. When the time is up, the device cannot be used unless a separate passcode is used.
Ngā mihi nui
Kate Duncan
Source: https://parentscentre.org.nz/information/technology-and-tamariki/