- Spends most of the time in front of the screen
- He says that all his friends “are there”
- His last WhatsApp connection marks more than two o’clock in the morning
- He can hold his phone in his hands for hours on end
- Time doesn’t seem to pass for him when he’s online
This is the reality of a large part of teenagers, into which digital life has crept in full force. But, wait a minute… only teenagers? The undeniable reality is that screens are within everyone’s reach, even the youngest children.
In fact, the youngest members of the household have an increasing predilection for using screens, and at just over a year old they are already chasing after mom or dad’s cell phone to activate it and play with it. Coexisting with digital is the order of the day, and knowing how to do it can help our little ones.
Anyway, do not misunderstand me, I am not trying to demonize new technologies in this article, nor do I want to describe the possible dangers hidden behind them. No, my goal is to call for their good use and to prevent their abuse, enjoying them in the best way.
Technology in our lives. The time of exposure to screens
Technology brings great advances that have made life more pleasant and, in many cases, simpler. If they are used properly, there is no doubt that they are of great benefit. For this reason, here are the guidelines proposed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which justify how screen exposures should be carried out from infancy.
In children under two years of age, the AAP is clear: they should not be exposed to any type of screen. The reason? At this stage it is necessary to invest time in playing and touching physical objects, since manipulating and experimenting is very important for brain development.
Children between the ages of two and seven should not be exposed to screens for more than one or two hours a day. In addition, it is not recommended to use computers or video game consoles, except for educational purposes. It is at these ages when the idea of using screens as a method of distraction may arise so that the child does not get bored, although getting bored is not a bad thing, since it stimulates creativity, for example.
Between the ages of seven and twelve, the time limit should not exceed two hours a day. In Spain, at this age an average of three or four hours is spent in front of the screen.
And that’s when they get their own cell phone.
It is not advisable for children to have their own Smartphone before the age of twelve, but always with proper parental supervision and education.
When giving a cell phone to our children, it is essential to do so with the “instructions for use”, since this device can put “the world in their hands”. The access to information is infinite, and for this, filters and critical sense are fundamental.
Making them aware of how important it is to make good use of the cell phone is the first step to prevent future problems.
From the age of thirteen, exposure to screens is extended to three hours, although it must be equally controlled and supervised.
It is then when it is important to educate the child in the preservation of privacy, since it is at this stage when the most intimate content is shared, and this is done through the cell phone.
The fact is that if a minimum of control and education in the correct use is followed, the enjoyment of new technologies is encouraged in a responsible manner. However, for this to work, we must lead by example. So, parents, watch your screen use and model a responsible digital life.