Newest Media Guidelines From The American Academy of Pediatrics

In November, the American Academy of Pediatrics came out with their newest guidelines on properly using digital media with young children. Previously, the AAP recommended that children under the age of two do not view any digital media, and that children 2-5 should be limited to an hour a day. Now that technology is making its way through every aspect of our daily lives, the AAP has updated their recommendations to accommodate the constant presence of technology. It is now recommended that children under the age of eighteen months should not be exposed to any digital media, with the exception of video-chatting friends and family members. The AAP highlighted the value of video-chatting because it is a social activity and it can help the infant connect with family and friends wherever they are. From age eighteen months to two years, families can start introducing digital media slowly. This digital media should be high quality and most importantly, should be co-viewed, meaning that parents and children should view the digital media together. The AAP focused heavily on the idea that digital media should not serve as an electronic babysitter. Even children age 2-5, who can view up to an hour of digital media daily, should not be left alone with technology. The AAP acknowledges that technology is becoming a major part of our lives, but they say that it is important that the digital media that children view should be high quality and co-viewed. I like the new recommendations. How about you? Below is a link to the full article from the AAP about their updated guidelines.
AAP Media and Young Minds