Are screen-based media ‘bad’ for my child? Will too much screen time affect my child’s social skills? A new UK report by University of Edinburgh academic, Lydia Plowman, and colleague, Jonathan Hancock, responds to six questions parents and educators most want answered.
Readable, informed and clear-eyed Six questions that parents ask about children’s use of digital media was commissioned by the UK Children’s Media Foundation for its Parent Portal. The review brings clarity to a complex and contested topic. Each question is followed by quick summary points then more detailed discussion and research findings. For instance to the query about screen-based media being ‘bad’ Plowman writes:
- Be wary of research that makes general claims about screen-based media being ‘bad’ for children: it’s the specific content of media and the specific context of use that count.
- It has not been proven that media discourage children from exercising. Research shows that child obesity may be caused by a wide range of factors.
- Evidence suggests that using technology after lights out may lead to tiredness and poor sleeping patterns in young people.
- It seems likely that there are both positive and negative effects – we can’t have one without the other.
- The amount of time parents spend in front of a screen can shape children’s media habits (p 7, Plowman & Hancock, 2014).
Over the next few weeks the Digital Business team will bring more on the review, so keep watching this blog. In the meantime see www.thechildrensmediafoundation.org/parent-portal for details. Source: Plowman, L & Hancock, J (2014) Parents’ FAQs on children’s use of media: a review. Children’s Media Foundation: London.