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Child Care Basics
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Screen time in childcare
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Screen time in childcare
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I agree that screen time should be non existent for young children, there is research that shows the impact on brain development and screen time.
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Absolutely right, check this for example.
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I think screentime for children should be limited but not restricted. Give them at least an hour but split it up. I would do two 30-minute periods throughout the day, instead of one full hour.
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Screentime has negative effects because instead of stimulating the social brain it is passive entertainment and thus can lead to negative emotions and impulsivity if young children indulge in.
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What are your thoughts on screen time for children in childcare? I feel like as years goes by its hard to not introduce or have children use screens. Due to everything being digital. Parents find it easy to hand over a phone tablet or TV for children to quiet down. As a future provider screen time will be very limited to only showing educational material
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Screen time can be negative for children in child care because it often limits their opportunities for active play, social interaction, and hands-on learning. Excessive screen use can lead to reduced physical activity, which is important for healthy growth and development. It may also affect their attention span and ability to engage in face-to-face communication with peers and caregivers. Additionally, too much screen time can disrupt sleep and lead to behavioral issues, making it important for child care providers to balance screen use with other enriching activities.
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I enjoy screentime in child care for educational purposes such as read along stories or teaching videos. i also enjoy the use of songs for dancetime, but i dont think screens should be regularly left on in childcare
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I do believe, and this is backed by some years of experimenting and observing, that one of the best things you can do when it comes to childcare, and specially toddlers, is to limit their screen time to the minimal possible. You may think that you cannot just turn off the TV or take away the IPad or whatever they are glued to, because YOU worry about the meltdowns and YOU worry the tantrums and You worry about the dark moods. But, believe me when it comes to a toddler, just turn the TV off, or just put the IPad out of sight. Just have the GUTS and DO IT, and keep HEALTHY alternative within your reach and offer them after the meltdowns ease, because yes, there will be some at first, especially the first 5 days or so, and during those times, keep your cool, and stick to your decision; do not give in for the tears or the screams (some screaming is argued to be healthy for a child by the way), just do not get weak and surrender to the drama. If you are firm and consistent, they will learn that they will not have the old ways back, and then do what they do best, ADAPT; they will realize they need to move on, and that’s where your “HEALTHY” alternatives would come in play. Because, you see, they need to fill up all the time that is vacant now that screen is off, so have as much engaging things to do to make up for that, and little by little you and them will learn and adapt.
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“Great perspective, Sherenaz! Limiting screen time and providing engaging, healthy alternatives fosters toddlers’ growth and adaptation.”
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I think screentime in childcare isn’t too bad. For example, if the class gets to have a nice movie day i think that can be something supplemented into lass every once and a while. I don’t think screen time should be heavily relied on in childcare because it is addictive, and you want the children to interact with each other and rely on their creativity and imagination for as long as possible. You also want kids to start tapping into their skills like drawing, sports, or writing as early as possible.
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I think screen time should be minimal to non-existent for children in childcare centers, espically since we don’t know how much they are on screens at home.
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Screen-time should not be apart of childcare curriculum’s as I feel us teachers are there to teach and stimulate their brains without such tools and from the research done over the years and my personal experience it can be damaging to their critical-thinking and social-interactive skills as it is important for them to learn hands on with structure especially for the younger kids. Maybe during holidays it wouldn’t hurt to have some fun festive movies like Charlie Brown or Rudolph etc. but it would just depend on the age group because kids are very responsive to seeing certain personalities portrayed and mimicking them whether healthy or toxic.
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Children may be watching the TV half or 1 hour in daycare. We should be trying the children have the different activities.
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This reply was modified 1 year, 5 months ago by
Nai J2511.
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This reply was modified 1 year, 5 months ago by
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And the Swedish public health guidelines align with the most recent research on screen time limit for toddlers who are 2 years old or younger.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/05/world/europe/sweden-screentime-ban-children.html
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I believe children should have limited screen time. Their development can be greatly benefited from playing outdoors, playing with toys, coloring/activity books, and other physical/mental activities apart from a screen. Screen time can be useful to distract a child or help relax a child, but I don’t think it should consume their day.
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I think that screen time should be for parents to decide at home. I am a parent with two children in child care and I think that they have grown tremendiously by not having any extra screen time at school and really being able to play with others and develop their brains in a healthy way.
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When considering screen time for children in childcare, it’s important to find a balance that supports their development while being mindful of the potential negative effects of excessive screen exposure. Here are some key thoughts:
Limit the Duration: According to guidelines from health organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), screen time for young children should be limited to ensure that it does not interfere with physical activity, sleep, and face-to-face interactions. For children under age 2, it’s recommended to avoid screen time entirely, except for video chatting. For older children, screen time should be limited to no more than one hour per day for children ages 2 to 5.
Purposeful and Educational Content: If screen time is used, it should be intentional and educational. Quality programs that promote learning, creativity, or social skills can be beneficial when used in moderation. This could include activities like interactive learning games, age-appropriate shows, or educational apps that align with the curriculum in the childcare setting.
Supervised and Engaged Interaction: Screen time should not be passive; instead, caregivers can engage with children during screen time. For example, watching a show together and discussing what happens, or playing an educational game with a child, can turn screen time into a more interactive experience. This way, it encourages socialization and reinforces learning.
Balance with Physical and Social Activities: Screen time should never replace hands-on play, physical activities, or interaction with peers and caregivers. Active play, outdoor time, and social interaction with others are crucial for young children’s development and should be prioritized over screen-based activities.
Role Modeling: Providers can model healthy screen habits for children by limiting their own screen time when interacting with kids. Children tend to mirror adult behavior, so demonstrating the importance of balance in screen use can help set a positive example.
Parental Involvement: It’s important to involve parents in the conversation about screen time. Providers can collaborate with families to establish consistent guidelines for screen use at home and in childcare, creating a cohesive approach to managing screen time and promoting healthy development.
In summary, while screen time can be part of a balanced educational experience, it should be used thoughtfully, in moderation, and in ways that enhance, rather than replace, active learning and social interaction.
