Parents Have Been Told Screen Time Isn’t So Bad For Kids After All – But Not Everyone Is Convinced

Is it time to put aside guilt over tablet use?

Posted on

6 January 2019

If you’ve ever felt bad about handing your kids your phone to play with – whether you were too busy to entertain them yourself in that moment, or just needed a bit of quiet time – you might be able to stop feeling that way now.

A new report released today is suggesting kids’ screen time in itself is not as detrimental as you might have thought.

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) has said there is not enough evidence to suggest that screen time is “toxic” to a child’s health, but has recommended cutting it out before bedtime.

In a UK first, we are launching guidance to help parents manage children’s #screentime. We believe that we need to “let parents be parents”, so our guidance supports parents in adjusting screen use based on what is important to them and their child: https://t.co/3q4ZC5Gpkq pic.twitter.com/302fMLoBya

— RCPCH (@RCPCHtweets) January 4, 2019

Crucially, the RCPCH has also suggested four questions to consider if you are worried about your children and their tablet, phone and computer use:

1. Is your family’s screen time under control?
2. Does screen use interfere with what your family wants to do?
3. Does screen use interfere with sleep?
4. Are you able to control snacking during screen time?

“It is important to encourage parents to do what is right by their family,” says Dr Max Davie, the college’s officer for health promotion. “We suggest that age-appropriate boundaries are established, negotiated by parent and child that everyone in the family understands.”

While some people on social media are welcoming the report and its guidance…

Good discussion on @GMB w/ @russellviner helping to ease parental anxiety about children's screen time. Clear message that there's no evidence to suggest screen time itself is a problem, need to learn more about what screens are actually being used for. #socialmedia #screentime

— Shannon McNee (@ShannonMcNee2) January 4, 2019

… others are not convinced allowing screen time is a good option:

Electronic devices are basically modern day childminders. #screentime

— Dave Grohl's hair (@RandiSav) January 4, 2019

With some arguing it can affect attention and focus in school:

Good morning, how are you doing? On @BBCBreakfast we are talking about screen-time for children, after doctors say we shouldn't worry so much. Thoughts?

— Louise Minchin (@louiseminchin) January 4, 2019

#screentime report in UK #bbcnews Screentime, 24hr access and no parental checks/concerns is the cause one of some of the biggest problems in today’s classrooms.

— St (@retsgitS) January 4, 2019

While others say the advice parents receive on screen time is often conflicting:

Worry less about #screentime @BBCShropshire @BBCNews and yet #depression is linked to higher use of #socialmedia ????! Hmm pic.twitter.com/A27lPwBTar

— Emma (@EmmabaconEmma) January 4, 2019

Saying to parents to worry less about #screentime doesn't mean there isn't a link with social media, negative body image, bullying and mental well-being

— David Bates (@D_J_Bates) January 4, 2019

For many, it’s really a question of finding balance between a child’s screen time and other activities…

According to The Guardian, paediatricians are saying that #screentime is not inherently bad for children, but #Parents do need to focus on making sure their children get enough #sleep, #exercise and family interaction. As usual with these things it's about getting a balance.

— Paul Stockley (@bradwaystockley) January 4, 2019

In for @joncowap @BBCYork from 9am - Should children have their screen time restricted? pic.twitter.com/YLkjQLTjUR

— Julia (@bishwife) January 4, 2019

No evidence that screen time is toxic to children's health - the message from the Royal Collage of Paediatrics and Child Health this morning. They say don't allow screens an hour before bed - but don't specify any limits. Do we panic too much about phone use? @bbc5live

— Rachel Burden (@rachelburden) January 4, 2019

Ultimately though, it depends on the individual child, and how your family works as a unit…

#screentime advice today is that it isn’t damaging to children’s health. Great news but it’s about balance. If they are exercising, socialising in real time and sleeping and they are mature enough not to compare and despair then all good.

— TeenTipsLtd (@TeenTipsLtd) January 4, 2019