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Would it surprise you to learn that a lot of kids use an iPad before they can say ‘mobile device’? Well, it’s true. A study commissioned by Common Sense Media found that 38% of toddlers younger than 2 were already experienced touch screen users, navigating through apps and videos like kids 5 times their age. That’s up from just 10% in 2011. Like it or not, kids are spending time in front of screens earlier and earlier. Does that mean you need to run out and buy your tot a tablet? Not at all.
Here’s a handy guide to helping kids navigate a connected, mobile world safely by introducing the right devices at the right times.
Share that Screen
There’s nothing inherently wrong with screen time, provided it’s active screen time. Babbling at grandma on Skype or FaceTime is awesome; plopping down in front of Baby First TV while mom checks Facebook, not so much. That’s because every minute of passive screen time is a minute a baby or toddler could have been interacting with toys, books or other people, and those lost minutes can add up to real developmental delays. At the very least, watch along with your little one (this is called co-viewing) and talk about what’s happening on screen. At best, look for educational apps you can use together – kids as young as four can benefit from learning apps with grownup supervision.
Solo Screen Time Comes Later
Much later. Kids using tablets and smartphones should be supervised, even when they’re engaging with devices without needing much adult help. While many kids have their own tablets or phones and schools are beginning to introduce technology programs geared toward grade schoolers, there’s no reason to buy a tricked out smartphone or tablet for a child younger than 10 if they can share yours. Having a shared family device lets you monitor your child’s media usage very closely, giving you opportunities to engage with them over content and to protect them from scams and predators.
When you’re ready to buy a device just for your child look for the best prepaid cell phone plans and data plans. Companies like T-Mobile offer no-contract, no device commitment deals that are affordable and parent-friendly. Perfect for a first-time smartphone user.
There’s an App for That
It’ll come as no surprise that there are plenty of apps that help parents keep kids safe and while many argue very logically against monitoring kids’ device usage, many more believe strongly that it’s a necessary evil. Once your kids have their own devices consider installing apps like Life360, which lets kids check in when they reach a destination and offers GPS monitoring, SecuraFone, a GPS monitoring app with a “panic button” and the ability to disable texting and other features at certain speeds, and SMS Tracker, which logs all calls, texts and photos for review by parents. As kids mature you can gradually allow them more freedom.
If you’re still worried about how and how much your kids engage with screens, the best thing you can do is model the behavior you’d like to see in them. Make an effort to turn off your own devices after work and school so you can have some screen-free family time and institute a no-screen rule during family mealtimes.
Technology can be a positive part of life when used thoughtfully and in moderation. Little ones should engage with the screen less; students may need to use devices more. But in general a good rule of thumb might be this: if you’re worried about your kid’s device usage you need to step back and evaluate whether it might just be time to make a change. Even if you’ve never before limited or monitored your little one’s screen time, it’s never too late to start!
Jennifer Thayer is a technology writer from Southern California who loves finding ways technology can make life easier. She enjoys sharing her tips and tricks with readers. Follow her on Twitter.