The screen is a tool
You have seen the studies.
You have done (or been given) the research.
If your children watch more than 27 min of television, cell phone, laptop or desktop computer their brains will cease to function. They will celebrate their thirtieth birthday in the comfort of your basement where they reside, permanently.
DON'T RISK IT!
Of course, I am poking fun at the hysteria surrounding this subject. Some parents use a tablet for every moment of their child's day. On the other side of the pendulum is parents that would sooner cast their offspring into a gator infested swamp than to hand a screen to their little cherubs.
Let's get real here (truly the only speed I have). Just like sugar, sunshine, and dog slobber, the key is to monitor their exposure and remember YOU KNOW YOUR KID.
The Internet, is not what I am talking about here. "Screen time" can be a very useful tool, for some parent/teachers and some kids. I am not suggesting that you hand your students devices and send them to their rooms to surf unhindered while you binge watch the latest media trend. Not even close.
I have had some kids (back in the day) that learned skills and concepts more easily from a catchy tune and animation than from the methods I was using in person (think Schoolhouse Rock, Dora the Explorer, or Little Einsteins). Some of my team loved these screen time interactions, I could therefore use them as a reward for staying on track in person. "Once we finish this math exercise, you can do a "Letter Factory" video!".
On the other hand, I have some that don't really connect with the screen, one in particular comes to mind. She would rather sit in a room with the screen off, than go through the boredom of staring at a screen that does not interact with her. This was true of this kids as a toddler, early elementary, and now as a preteen. Movies, TV, and other "entertainment" just get in the way of connecting with humans, and she would always rather not. Therefore screen time lessons are not a tool I use with her.
Just remember you hold the reigns, during school, before school and after school. Screens are yours and you can allow the use of them, or not. Don't be afraid to parent! You know your kids, you know what will work and how much time on a device will enhance, and not hinder, your day and the progress of your child's learning.
Whining and complaining would not change the options if your child was begging to see what happens when you put hardware in the microwave, so hold the line. Be the adult and set limits and rules, your kids will thrive because of this. Honestly no 2nd grader really wants to be in charge, they want you to be in charge, no matter how they act. Boundaries give them peace.
Can we overdo this? Absolutely. If your child cannot play without a screen, has violent outbursts when screen time is over, has trouble sleeping, and cannot interact with others in a way that you see as "normal", it may be time to pull the plug. I am not suggesting you use a screen to teach, interact, entertain, and nurture your child. Whether there is a human on the screen or not, we need an actual person to interact with for our brains to develop, thrive, and to reach or exceed our expected potential! See this article on Boredom, for ideas and reasons to unplug and disconnect.
No matter what age your child is, parents should have immediate and full access permissions to any device they use. Also set clear limits on location and time for use. In our house devices are plugged in in the kitchen to charge, not in users bedrooms, need phones to use as alarms? Get an actual alarm clock.
As my children become upper teens and young adults these "rules" change. I believe the individuals are able to set parameters and self monitor with more insight due to previous guidance.
Don't throw the tablet out with the internet, you can monitor use, set boundaries and employ the tools you choose with intelligence and discernment!
~Jeanette
