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be affected. However, research shows that the problem of inappropriate content should be taken quite seriously. The average child spends seven hours a day using media, reducing time available for healthier activities. Compounding the issue, kids are exposed to advertisements for unhealthy food options, and unhealthy eating is more likely to occur during media time. Studies have shown that teens develop addictive behaviors with social media, negatively impacting the amount and quality of sleep. Lack of sleep has a direct impact on a child’s general health, including the potential for obesity, poor ac- ademic performance and emotional health problems. You need to set a lights-out time for cell phones, tablets and computers. You may need to have your kids place their devices in a common area in order to resist late-night usage.
Because excessive time spent with media can be harmful to kids, the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that screen time be limited to two hours per day. Screen time
includes TV, computers, game systems, cell phones, hand-held video games and any other electronic media device. You are encouraged to establish a screen-free zone, removing these devices from your child’s bedroom and turning the TV off during meal times. Doing so improves sleep quality, increases family time, and allows for more outside play, physical activity, imaginative play, hobbies and other activities.
Eli’s day is typical for today’s teen. In addition to monitoring our kids’ media usage, we need to limit their technology time. Talk to your kids, and work together to develop guidelines on media usage. Healthy media habits will contribute to a healthier, happier family.
Tami Bland, DNP, APRN, CPNP, is a clini- cal assistant professor in the College of Nursing at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and has practiced as a PNP for 20 years. She currently practices in a nurse-managed, school-based health center in Knoxville.
Ready, Set, Grow
Work with your kids to develop guidelines on media usage
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