Here’s a question to start: How much time is your preschooler spending in front of a screen each day?
The American Pediatric Association’s recommends no screens for two and younger and two hours for children over two years of age. The APA also says less than 2-hours is preferable for 2-4 year olds.
Regarding television the concern is the amount of time being watched as well as the content of what is viewed. Age appropriate educational programs are best for preschoolers. Children learn best through interaction, so TV programs that slow things down and have the “actor” stop, face the audience and address them are excellent for this age. (Think Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood). If your interest is helping your child learn then watching and interacting with your child during the TV show is best.
Most children are not able to manipulate a mouse until age 5 or 6. Even if your child is able to, they should not be on the internet without you. You can sit with your child and have them list things that interest them (animals, sports, trains, etc.). Then you can do a search with them and look at the results. Another fun way to use the internet with young children is to Skype a relative or friend. There are games you can get such as
Educational games and apps for preschool age children are abundant. Children can learn from appropriate digital media, but keep in mind that children of this age learn best with off-line interaction and exploring their environment.
Lastly, be aware of what your child is giving up to use the “screens.” For the healthiest children make sure there is be plenty of time for outdoor play, social interaction and exploration of their environment.
To find age appropriate media I recommend www.commonsensemedia.org. Common Sense Media reviews movies, computer games, apps, websites, TV shows, books, and music. You can select from a range of genre and themes, as well as a specific age groups from 3-17 years.
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