A recent New York Times article is piquing the interest of many parents – particularly those of us who work in the tech industry. The issue? Should we limit our children’s screen time?  With the efficiencies we see with technology and how streamlined it makes our day, why not let our toddlers use a tablet here and there? Whether it’s counting ABCs or catching a quick cartoon, should there be limits?

First things first, screen time isn’t evil – it simply has to be managed. Next, are there specific ways you choose to have your child use a tablet, laptop, etc. that suits your family’s needs? I was a book lover as a kid and I’m passing that passion on to my own children. We have enough books scattered all over the house to start our own library. I choose to give my kids exposure to technology because it’s a complement to those books.  My four year old daughter can learn about special amazing superhero worlds, then turn around and create a new Lego Comic.

You may use a device as a recreational replacement for Saturday morning cartoons. Perhaps you may value the interactive nature of game play and allow more screen time for your older kids who are able to actively contribute and use their imaginations in a virtual world or game.

Children of different ages have different needs, not all screen time is equal. Passively watching a video isn’t the same thing as playing math games. Once you have determined a particular course for your child, set the limits and stick to them.  Have log ins for your child and set parental time controls.  Use parent dashboards on kids sites to see what they are doing and for how long.  Set the egg timer from the kitchen!  Then have a strong alternative activity (depending on the age of the child) lined up for when screen time is over.  Trust me, it helps with the whining.

So what’s the rule in my house? My daughter gets 30 minutes a day. Her little brother gets to watch a few baby oriented online shows.  Easy.

Whether or not you decide to limit screen time for your little ones, always know that we have your back in the numerous virtual worlds we moderate!

image c/o NotionsCapital

Blagica Bottigliero
Vice President of Digital Media

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