Notes from the Nurse
Screen Time Edition
October 15, 2020
In this issue...
- AAP Recommendations on Screen Time
- Kids & Tech: Tips for Parents in the Digital Age
- Family Media Use Plan
- Tips for Virtual Learners
- Computer Vision Syndrome (Digital Eye Strain)
- Is Too Much Screen Time Harming Children's Vision?
- Children Missing Vision Screening - What Can Parents Do?
AAP - Where We Stand: Screen Time
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages parents to help their children develop healthy media use habits early on.
For children older than 2 years, media limits are very appropriate. Limit screen use to no more than 1 hour or less per day of high-quality programming. Co-view or co-play with your children, and find other activities for to do together that are healthy for the body and mind (e.g., reading, teaching, talking, and playing together).
All children and teens need adequate sleep (8-12 hours, depending on age), physical activity (1 hour), and time away from media. Designate media-free times together (e.g., family dinner) and media-free zones (e.g., bedrooms). Children should not sleep with devices in their bedrooms, including TVs, computers, and smartphones.
Parents are encouraged to develop personalized media use plans for their children. Media plans should take into account each child's age, health, personality, and developmental stage. Create your Family Media Use Plan here and remember to communicate your plan to other caregivers, such as babysitters or grandparents, so that media rules are followed consistently.
Read more here: Where We Stand: Screen Time
Kids & Tech: Tips for Parents in the Digital Age
Click on the article below to read some tips to help parents manage this digital age.
Constantly Connected: Adverse Effects of Media on Children & Teens
Here are some facts about digital media use.
Almost 75% of teens own a smartphone. They can access the Internet, watch TV and videos, and download interactive applications (apps). Mobile apps allow photo-sharing, gaming, and video-chatting.
25% of teens describe themselves as "constantly connected" to the Internet.
76% of teens use at least one social media site. More than 70% of teens visit multiple social media sites, such as Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram.
4 of 5 households (families) own a device used to play video games.
Click the link below to read more about 'Why It's Good to Unplug' from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Remote learning during COVID-19: Tips for virtual learners
Computer Vision Syndrome
Is Too Much Screen Time Harming Children’s Vision?
Children Are Missing At-School Eye Exams During Pandemic: What Parents Can Do
Local Health Events
October Health Observances
Mental Illness Awareness Week
Contact Information
Email: christina.allen@pisd.edu
Website: https://www.pisd.edu/domain/233
Location: 7500 Marchman Way, Plano, TX, USA
Phone: 469-752-2309