Screen Time...How Much Should Kids Have?

When I was a kid, they introduced an amazing video game called Pong. It consisted of a paddle(s) and a ball.  I spent hours each week playing that game. But it was basically my only screen option, with television being the other option.

Today's kids seemingly have unlimited options when it comes to screen time. 24/7 television with several channels dedicated to children only programming.  Smart phones.  Playstations.  Wii's.  Xbox.  Computer games.  iPads.  Tablets.  Game apps.  

You will often see kids involved in screen time no matter the time or place.  Many parents have found that screen time makes a great "babysitter" when they need to keep their children occupied.

So the question arises when it comes to screen time...how much is enough? 

Steve Jobs, the former CEO of Apple, didn't allow his own children to have iPads when they were first introduced. He also restricted his children's acces to other technology as well. 

Screen time often gets a bad rap. It has been blamed for depression and behavioral issues.

But others question this line of thinking. A thorough study was done and it was concluded that screen use plays "little role in mental health concerns."  

Another study was done that looked at 11,500 brain scans of children regarding their screen time use. The study found no evidence that screen time was linked to poor mental well-being or cognitive issues, even among those using screens for several hours of the day.

But there are others who disagree.  A movement called Smartphone Free Childhood says 150,000 people have signed its pact to ban smartphones for children below the age of 14, and delay social media access until the age of 16.

Jean Twenge, a professor of psychology from San Diego State University, believes separating children and screens is a no-brainer, and is urging parents to keep children and smartphones apart for as long as possible. One study found that higher social media use causes girls to have higher feelings of depression. 

Screen time can certainly be addictive. Don't think so?  Try taking away a child's handheld video game or smart phone.  They will freak out. Want to have a family meeting? Turn off the wifi at your house. The kids will come running to you.

The truth is...this can be said of adults as well.  Personally, I can attest to this.  If I can't find my smart phone, I get anxiety.  If the internet goes down, I am visibly upset.  I carry my smart phone every where I go and check it throughout the day.  It lays by my head when I am sleeping.  It is crucial to my job and connectivity to the world. 

The truth is...most of you reading this would have to say the same thing. 

Some take a hard line stance on this issue when it comes to kids. The world health organization suggests no screen time for children below the age of one, and no more than one hour per day for kids 4 and under. Good luck with that.  

Each person must weight the evidence on both sides and come up with a clear decision and guidelines for their children's screen time access.

This can be challenging for sure. If screens really are harming children, it may be years before someone can definitively prove it.  Or if more extended research shows that it doesn't negatively impact children, we may regret keeping them away from something that can be very important in their future work and relevance. 

One thing I was thinking about this morning, was helping kids (and adults) come up with a plan that will give them a balanced approach to screen time. 

When we take kids to church summer camp, we do not allow them to bring their smart phones. Our hope is this will help them better hear and discern the voice of God during the camp time. 

I think the key approach is balance. That is something each parent and ministry must decide for themselves. 

What do you think?  Do you limit screen time for your kids?  For the kids in your ministry when they are participating in a church activity?

Share your thoughts and insight in the comment section below.