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media/electronic habits

Negative Side Affects to over-usage of Media/Electronics

obesity

Teens who watch more than 5 hours of TV per day are 5 times more likely to be overweight than teens who watch 0 to 2 hours.

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Watching TV for more than 1.5 hours daily is a risk factor for obesity for children 4 through 9 years of age.

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Viewers are also more likely to snack or overeat while watching screen media.

sleep problems

Media use can interfere with sleep.

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Exposure to light (particularly blue light) and stimulating content from screens can delay or disrupt sleep, and have a negative effect on school.

behavior issues

Violent content on TV and screens can contribute to behavior problems in children, either because they are scared and confused by what they see, or they try to mimic on-screen characters.

cyber bullying

Cyber bullying can lead to short- and long-term negative social, academic, and health issues for both the bully and the target.

Problematic Internet Use

Heavy video gamers are at risk for Internet gaming disorder. They spend most of their free time online, and show less interest in offline or "real-life" relationships.

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4% to 8% of children and teens may have problems limiting their Internet use, and almost 10% of US youth 8 to 18 years of age may have Internet gaming disorder.

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There may be increased risks for depression at both the high and low ends of Internet use.

Negative effect on School Performance

Violent content on TV and screens can contribute to behavior problems in children, either because they are scared and confused by what they see, or they try to mimic on-screen characters.

healthy media use

For Children Younger Than 2

Choose high-quality programming

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Use media together with your child

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Avoid solo media use

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Media should be very limited & only when adult is present. Ex: Video-chatting with family along with parents

For Children 2 to 5 years of Age

Limit screen use to no more than 1 hour per day

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Find other activities for your children to do that healthy for their bodies & minds

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Choose media that is interactive (non-violent, educational)

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Co-view/Co-play with your children

tips

  • Check your children's media use for their health and safety.
     

  • Avoid exposure to devices or screens for 1 hour before bedtime. Do not let you children sleep with devices such as smartphones.
     

  • Discourage entertainment media while doing homework.
     

  • Plan media-free times together, such asfamily dinners
     

  • Decide on media-free, unplugged locations in homes, such as bedrooms.
     

  • Engage in family activities that promote wellbeing, such as sports, reading, and talking with each other.
     

  • Set a good example and turn off the TV and put your smartphone on "do not disturb" during media-free times with your family.
     

  • Use sites like Common Sense Media to help you decide if movies, TV shows, apps, and videos games are age and content appropriate for your children and your family values.
     

  • Share your family media rules with caregivers or grandparents to help ensure rules are consistent.
     

  • Talk with your children and teens about online citizenship and safety. This includes treating others with respect online, avoiding cyber bullying and sexting, being wary of online solicitations, and safeguarding privacy.
     

  • Remember that your opinion counts—so make your voice heard. Let a TV station know if you like a program, or contact the makers of a video game if the content is too violent. Visit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) website for more information.

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