As of 2016, the American Pediatric Association (APD) has prepared a guide for families on how their children can use all media tools. At this point, we aimed to offer this guide to our families. Actually, these are not suggestions you will hear for the first time, but I think the age classifications were useful for our families to understand more easily. Now let's briefly examine it by age ranges:
EARLY CHILDHOOD PERIOD (0-4 years):
American Pediatric Association Children under the age of 2 are exposed to television and other media. recommends extremely limited exposure. This should be less than 15 minutes a day. Because these ages are the period when brain development is the fastest, and children of this age should interact with people more than screens. At this age, family members being role models is very important for behavioral development. While parents are taking care of their children, they should definitely keep other media outlets out of the interaction area. For example, not using the phone at the dinner table and turning off the television while playing games with it. In addition, the American Pediatric Association definitely does not recommend this method, which is frequently used especially at this age. Leaving tablets at home during a car trip. Because with this method, our children lose the opportunity to watch and learn about the outside world, especially during daytime travels. In addition, exposure to excessive amounts of television and similar media during this period disrupts unstructured free play, which is one of the most important triggers of mental development in children. Unstructured free games, especially played with other peers, are extremely effective in the development of memory, attention, problem-solving skills and reasoning abilities in children.
SCHOOL-AGE CHILDHOOD PERIOD (5- 11 years old):
APD states that in this age group, the use of television and similar media devices (such as computers, tablets, smartphones) should not exceed 2 hours per day. Suggestions for families during this period can be summarized as follows;
It is important to be together, especially while watching television, and to keep the programs watched under control.
Choosing the program or video game to watch together. At this point, when choosing a program, live and grow Programs that are appropriate for children, educational and free of violence and sexuality should be chosen.
If your child chooses an inappropriate program or game, at this point it is necessary to briefly explain why it is not suitable. Just saying "this is bad" will only arouse curiosity.
The child should be encouraged for other activities. It is very important to direct them to sports courses or social activities.
The reward and punishment system is an important tool in the development of children. However, APD specifically does not recommend using television and other media for rewards. The sentence "If you finish your homework on time, you can play on the computer for half an hour longer" can be dangerous.
A family filter should be used, especially when using vehicles with internet access. If your child comes across sexually explicit content, overreaction should be avoided. At this point, a short and clear explanation should be made and guidance should be made on different topics.
Adolescence Period (12 years and above): The danger of television and other media in this period is not only due to its negative effect on brain development. Due to the times, it can be the beginning of very serious events, especially as a result of interactions with third parties. APD lists its recommendations for this period as follows:
As at every age, families should continue to be an example in terms of behavior at this age. In-home communication should be at the forefront. Remember, even though your child cares more about his friends, he still needs you.
In this period, social media tools come into play and especially families should check their children's social media accounts at this point. Although this may sound unpleasant, it is very important to follow him, examine his friends and know who the people he meets on social media are. However, especially if you notice a post that you find inappropriate for your child, do not use social media to warn them, do not comment on their posts, just be good observers!! It should be discussed frequently with the young person that it may have extremely dangerous consequences and that these images may fall into the hands of malicious people. How much is the internet environment actually? It should be emphasized that it is a virtual and unsafe place.
It is suitable for smartphone use for ages 12 and above. Individually purchasing a phone at a younger age carries risks. Certain limits and rules must be set when buying a phone (such as not using it during class hours or at bedtime, and connecting to the internet within certain hours). Phones should not be chosen as expensive or high-end models due to the risk of robbery and extortion or peer bullying. Applications and games on smartphones should be chosen and kept under control by families.
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