Children and screens

Today, technology—and with it, screens of various types delivering various content—is an unavoidable part of childhood from a very early age. While technology can make adult life easier, it is not harmless unless we are aware of the risks it brings and learn how to use it moderately and in positive ways. Teaching children how to use screens responsibly starts early—through our own example and a consciuos effort to ensure screens don't take on the role of a digital babysitter.

To reduce the risks and potential negative effects of excessive screen time on a child’s cognitive, physical, and emotional development (such as attention problems, aggression, sleep disturbances, etc.), experts recommend limiting screen time for babies and young children.

When deciding how much screen time is appropriate, consider the following:

• For babies up to 18 months old, experts recommend no screen time at all.
• For children aged 18–24 months, the only acceptable screen use is video chatting with family members.
• The World Health Organization recommends that children aged 2 to 4 years should not spend more than one hour per day in front of screens.
• To support healthy development, for every amount of time a child spends in front of a screen, they should spend twice as much time playing outdoors.
  (For example, if a 3- or 4-year-old spends an hour at the park, up to 30 minutes of screen time per day is considered acceptable, including TV time.)
   

How to make screen time useful and educational:

• Be present with your child and talk about what you’re watching. This could mean playing an educational game together or discussing the things you see on screen.
• Research recommendations for games, apps, and animated shows before introducing them to your child. Look into the appropriate age rating, check for violence or difficult topics, and choose only content recommended by trusted sources that is age-appropriate.
• Provide plenty of screen-free activities every day. Free play is essential for developing creativity, so ensure your child has lots of opportunities for unstructured play. Mealtimes and bedtime should also remain screen-free. It is equally important that adults caring for the child avoid checking their phones or looking at screens during these times, so the moments remain reserved for conversation and family bonding.
• Use screens to support connection, such as showing your child family photos, or while the child is asleep.
   

The same parenting principles apply to screen time as to any other area:

The parent sets the example, establishes boundaries, and talks to the child about them. In the 21st century, media literacy is essential. You can find more information about choosing appropriate media content for children on the portal: medijskapismenost.hr
 

Extract from the brochure "Safe Childhood", UNICEF 2020.