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The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released new guidance indicating that screen time limits alone are insufficient for managing children's digital media use. The report, which covers hundreds of studies from the past 20 years, highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to digital media use, considering its impact on sleep, learning, and mental health.
According to ABC News, Dr. Tiffany Munzer, a pediatric behavioral specialist, emphasized that simply taking devices away can backfire for parents. She noted that digital media contains specific design features that can either promote positive benefits or encourage unhealthy engagement. Dr. Hansa Bhargava, an AAP spokesperson, added that today's digital world is an immersive ecosystem designed to keep kids engaged, which includes social media, video games, and algorithm-driven feeds.
The AAP's updated guidelines, as noted by AAP's website, recommend focusing on the quality of interactions with digital media rather than just the quantity. They suggest that families create a media plan that involves parents and children in setting priorities for media usage.
The AAP advises co-viewing content with children and engaging in discussions about what they see. Additionally, the report calls for technology companies and policymakers to share responsibility in creating safer digital environments for children by limiting targeted advertising, strengthening privacy protections, and improving age verification.
The AAP's report also stresses the importance of providing offline alternatives, such as libraries and parks, to ensure children receive the fundamentals of sleep, nutrition, exercise, and communication with parents. By addressing these factors, screens may lose their power to dominate children's lives.