Not All Screen Time Is Bad, New Study Finds. Here's What You Can Do To Ensure Learning

Most parents have heard that “screen time is evil”, “don’t let your little one watch”, and worst, most have been shamed for allowing screen time. It almost feels like you’re a bad parent if you allow any screen time for your kids.'

At long last, parents can find some reprieve. A recent study from UK’s University of Portsmouth and University Paris Nanterre in France has found that not all screen time is negative. The said study, published on August 17, 2022, concluded that some screen time can be beneficial to the child’s cognitive development, depending on the context. 

Researchers from both universities analyzed almost 500 published studies from the past twenty years and found that when television is introduced early on, especially to young infants, it may have detrimental effects on their play, language development, and executive functioning.

However, the key to turning things around with screen time is the quality of the programs watched, not the quantity that is watched.

RELATED: Zero Screen Time for Babies Under 1 Year Old: Strict or Just Right?

Eszter Somogyi, one of the authors of the study said in a press conference, “We’re used to hearing that screen exposure is bad for a child and can do serious damage to their development if it’s not limited to, say, less than an hour a day. While it can be harmful, our study suggests the focus should be on the quality or context of what a child is watching, not the quantity,” 

'The question parents need to answer is, "What is my child watching?" rather than "Is one hour of screen time a day safe?"

She adds, “Weak narrative, fast pace editing, and complex stimuli can make it difficult for a child to extract or generalize information. But when screen content is appropriate for a child’s age, it’s likely to have a positive effect, particularly when it’s designed to encourage interaction.” 

The question parents need to answer is, “What is my child watching?”, rather than asking “Is one hour of screen time a day safe?”

The quality of the videos watched, not the number of minutes and hours, is more important in the context of screen time. 

RELATED: A Little Screen Time Is Okay, but Please Make Sure Your Child Still Remains Active

3 tips for better screen time 

With this in mind, how can we make sure that our child’s screen time is safe? Here are a few tips:

1. Watch with your children.

The researchers concluded that watching television with children can help with cognitive development as they’re able to engage and ask questions. Instead of leaving them alone to watch, watching shows together can help the child’s thought process. 

It doesn’t mean that for thirty-minutes of screen time, you’ll have to be sitting with your child. You can also ask them questions and talk about the show a few minutes after watching with them.

“Watching television with your child and elaborating and commenting on what is viewed can help enhance their understanding of the content, reinforcing their learning during educational programs,” Somogyi further explained. 

She added, “Co-viewing can also contribute to the development of their conversation skills and provides children with a role model for appropriate television viewing behavior.”

2. Choose quality content.

As the study shifts the focus of screen time from quantity to quality, choosing the right show is important. Shows should be age-appropriate and should encourage interaction. 

Here are a few recommended shows:

Songs for Littles

Features a real preschool teacher, Songs for Littles specifically encourages interaction with the viewer. It is specially made for babies and toddlers and the show uses play, songs, and nursery rhymes approved by speech therapists and early-childhood experts.

RELATED: Screen Time Na Walang Guilt? Meet Ms. Rachel of Songs for Littles

Find Songs For Littles on YouTube.

Bluey

This Australian show is originally aimed at preschoolers. It tackles the adventures of Bluey, a Heeler puppy together with her mom, dad, and younger sister, Bingo. 

Find Bluey on YouTube.

Gracie’s Corner

A combination of educational, fun, and and encouraging songs for children from diverse backgrounds.

Find Gracie's Corner on YouTube.

Ada Twist, Scientist

Based on a book series, this Netflix show features a kid scientist named Ada and her two best friends, studying how the world works. It teaches children about the beauty of scientific discovery. Recommended for ages three and up. 

Find Ada Twist, Scientist on Netflix.

Waffles + Mochi

This multi-awarded show streams on Netflix. Waffles + Mochi is a children’s cooking show that feature two characters, Waffles and Mochi, who want to become chefs. The show’s executive producer is Michelle Obama.

Find Waffles + Mochi on Netflix.

3. Don’t forget about the things screen time can’t replace.

Even if a little screen time is said to be all right, parents should still remember the things that it can’t replace. Experts warn that screen time should not replace other learning activities, such as playing and socializing with other children.

Even if shows encourage interaction virtually, nothing can replace physical play with other children. 

For parents at their wits’ end, sometimes a few minutes of screen time means a dose of sanity. It is comforting to know that allowing screen time does not automatically mean that you’re a bad parent. Just remember these precautions.

With the proper choice of quality, age-appropriate content and adult supervision, screen time can involve less guilt for parents and more fun for the kids.