Unlocking the Benefits of Screen Time
As the summer break commences, parents and guardians are faced with the timeless question of how to keep children entertained during their leisure time.
A recent BBC Children’s and Education program has shed light on the debate surrounding screen time, suggesting that it may not be entirely detrimental to a child’s development.
Our very own Dr Amanda Gummer shared her insights on the subject and emphasizes the significance of a “Balanced Play Diet” during a compelling interview on BBC One’s Morning Live show, which you can watch in full here
Summer holidays are here for most children. Entertaining them cheaply can be hard, but sitting them in front of a screen can feel frowned upon.
Child development expert Dr Amanda Gummer has tips for parents, including finding content that has your kids best interests at heart. pic.twitter.com/43Li1JKddd
— BBC Morning Live (@BBCMorningLive) July 25, 2023
In this article, we delve into the key takeaways from Dr Gummer’s interview and explore valuable tips for incorporating screen time responsibly in children’s lives.
In partnership with BBC – ‘Parents Guide to Screen-Time.’ Learn more at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/grownups/a-parents-guide-to-screen-time
The Notion of a Balanced Play Diet
Dr Amanda Gummer acknowledges the inevitability of screen time in today’s digital age but emphasises the importance of balance.
“Just like we manage what children eat, it’s equally crucial to regulate their activities during leisure hours.”
The concept of a “Balanced Play Diet” can be likened to the popular “five a day” campaigns. The pillars of this diet comprise social, imaginative, active, child-led free play. Engaging in outdoor play, such as running around in parks with friends or indulging in imaginative games, is considered the nutritious part of this play diet.
On the other hand, solitary, sedentary, passive screen activities are akin to sweets – enjoyable in moderation but not the mainstay of the diet.
Focus on Quality Content
When it comes to screen time, the quality of content is paramount. Dr Gummer urges parents to be aware of what their children are watching and ensure it is age-appropriate and beneficial. There exists an abundance of educational and developmentally enriching content available, with the BBC offering a treasure trove of such programming. Shows like “Yakka Dee” and “Love Monster” stand out as examples of expertly crafted content that not only entertain but also promote important emotional and cognitive skills in children.
In partnership with BBC – ‘Parents Guide to Screen-Time.’ Learn more at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/grownups/a-parents-guide-to-screen-time
Establishing Routines and Boundaries
A key aspect of managing screen time is to establish well-defined routines and boundaries. It’s essential to strike a balance where screen time does not dominate a child’s day. Integrating screen activities into the daily schedule while safeguarding meal times and sleep is critical. Dr Gummer advises open communication with children to negotiate when and how screen time fits into their routine. For instance, granting an extra half-hour of TV on weekends in exchange for completing chores or engaging in outdoor play promotes a healthy balance.
Representation Matters
In the digital landscape, representation in media plays a vital role in a child’s development. Diverse and relatable characters and scenarios enhance a child’s sense of identity and foster empathy and understanding. Dr Gummer advocates for programs like “Jojo & Gran Gran,” which present a rich tapestry of characters that children can connect with, fostering a positive impact on their learning experience.
In partnership with BBC – ‘Parents Guide to Screen-Time.’ Learn more at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/grownups/a-parents-guide-to-screen-time
The Parents Guide to Screen-time
As parents, it’s natural to be concerned about how screen time impacts our children’s development. Dr Amanda Gummer has shared her valuable insights on managing screen time as part of the “Balanced Play Diet” campaign in conjunction with the BBC and CBeebies’ ‘Parents Guide to Screen-Time.’
For expert tips and guidance on this topic, be sure to explore the comprehensive guide
Key areas covered in the guide that will undoubtedly pique your interest include:
Quality Content Matters: Discover how to curate age-appropriate and enriching content that supports your child’s learning and emotional development.
Establishing Healthy Routines: Learn how to strike a balance between screen time and other essential activities in your child’s daily routine, fostering a harmonious lifestyle.
Navigating Representation in Media: Explore the significance of diverse and relatable characters on screen and their positive impact on your child’s sense of identity and empathy.
Don’t miss out on the valuable insights and expert tips from Dr Amanda Gummer in Cbeebies’ ‘Parents Guide to Screen-Time.’ Click the link above to embark on a journey of responsible and informed screen time management for your little ones.
In partnership with BBC – ‘Parents Guide to Screen-Time.’ Learn more at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/grownups/a-parents-guide-to-screen-time
WATCH: The full segment on BBC Morning Live’s Twitter page
The Balanced Play Diet is a holistic approach to nurturing children’s screen time while fostering their overall development. Dr Amanda Gummer’s expert insights shed light on the importance of balancing screen activities with outdoor play, imaginative games, and social interactions. By focusing on quality content, establishing routines, and providing diverse representation in media, parents can ensure that screen time becomes a valuable and constructive part of their children’s lives. Embracing this balanced approach to screen time can help parents navigate the modern digital landscape with confidence and support their children’s growth and learning throughout the summer break and beyond.