The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children younger than 18-24 months not be exposed to digital media with the exception of video-chat and that children 2-5 years have no more than one hour of screen time per day. This organization also recommends that parents watch media with their kids to help them understand it. Studies have linked excessive use of media by preschoolers to higher risk of obesity, shorter amounts of sleep, and cognitive, language and emotional delays.
So how can parents take away a device without causing a tantrum? Paul Donahue, PhD., a psychologist, says it helps to make screen time a predictable and scheduled part of the children’s routine. For instance one episode of “Curious George” while dinner is being made. When screen time is planned there is much less commotion when it’s time for it to end.
Rebecca Berry, PhD., suggests making a plan with your children to do something fun when the screen time is over, such as having a special snack or going to the park. Before the screen time begins remind them that they’ll get to do an activity if they can turn off the iPad without losing their cool. It can also be helpful to have a reward chart where kids get stickers for handing over the device without freaking out.
Why is the turning off so difficult? Dr. Dimitri Christakis explains that the intense sounds, colors and rapid movement of digital content can make it more immersive and entrancing than the real world and more difficult to disengage. Children will keep doing it as it is intensely gratifying. Pleasurable activities cause a release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that sends a signal to the prefrontal cortex to do that again and get more dopamine. There are apps and video games that give rewards and getting those rewards can be fun. Withdrawal is not fun.
Using a timer can be helpful. By involving the children in the process by letting them choose when the warning will sound, 10 minutes vs 5 minutes, and help decide what activity will be next. Of course it doesn’t work to try to end the screen time when they are in the middle of a game. Parents need to stay strong and not intermittently reward their child with prolonged media time. That makes every time a period of intense negotiation for more time.
So what happens if you follow this advice and your child still throws a fit? Stay calm and walk away. If the tantrum happens again the parent may have to say that they are taking the device for a while. After a few no-device days the device can be given back with the clear understanding that it will be taken away if there are tantrums until they are ready to handle themselves appropriately and follow the rules
by Sally Robinson, MD Clinical Professor
Keeping Kids Healthy
Published 2/28/2020
Also See: UTMB Pediatrics - Pediatric Primary Care
UTMB After Hours Urgent Care
American Academy of Pediatrics, "Children and Media Tips from the American Academy of Pediatric," May 1, 2018.