As a buzz-worthy summer blockbuster movie explores what happens when screens start to replace play, it creates a timely opportunity to discuss how kids are managing screen time in the classroom and at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry<\/a>, children ages 8\u201318 in the United States average 7 1\/2 hours a day using screens, showing how central these devices have become. While screens can entertain, teach and even help children connect, too much use or the wrong kind may lead to problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaking of screens creating problems, Blue KC Integrated Health Advancement Program Manager Rebekah Adams says to limit passive screen time, which she describes as consuming content rather than actively creating, interacting or engaging with others:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis is not inherently bad,\u201d Adams said. \u201cIt\u2019s where we get entertainment, relaxation and exposure to new ideas or perspectives. It becomes concerning when passive screen time replaces experiences that are critical for healthy development like imaginative play, face-to-face relationships, family interaction and sleep. The problem becomes when you spend many hours consuming media, there are fewer opportunities for these other activities and experiences. That\u2019s where you can have issues like reduced creativity and reduced physical activity. You also have more risk of shortened attention spans.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n How do you make screen time less passive for kids?<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFocus on quality over quantity,\u201d Adams said. \u201cThe healthiest screen time is often the kind that sparks a conversation, inspires play or brings people together. For example, educational games that reinforce skills or games like Minecraft where there is an objective that has planning and building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt might be better to watch together,\u201d Adams added. \u201cUse it as an opportunity for a conversation starter. Ask, \u2018what would you have done?\u2019 or \u2018what do you think that character was feeling?\u2019 Engaging with what you are watching creates opportunities for building emotional awareness and communication skills.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not every activity has to involve a screen, and local school districts are doing their part. The Bonner Springs-Edwardsville School District<\/a> provides screen-free activities for first graders through high school students, such as their Summer Strength and Conditioning program. Led by Bonner Springs High School PE Teacher Byron Mays, the program has seen a record-breaking turnout of participating students, who also receive free breakfast and lunch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSince I\u2019ve been here, the numbers have grown for the program every year,\u201d Mays said. \u201cI think a lot of that is due to parents and educators wanting the kids to be active, and the children are embracing that. It\u2019s about keeping them engaged and healthy. I see the social engagement that the kids have here in the summertime, and I know how that helps once the school year starts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Blue Valley School District<\/a> offers screen-free opportunities through Summer Explorations and other in-person enrichment programs that encourage hands-on learning, creativity, social interaction and active engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPlay is so important during the summer because it supports children\u2019s physical health, creativity, social development and overall well-being while not in a formal education setting,\u201d Blue Valley Chief of Academic Services Kelly June said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As summer starts to wind down, June offers advice for families to help their children pay less attention to their screen, so they can be prepared to focus on school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSet consistent screen-time limits, encourage active play and reading and begin re-establishing school-year routines before classes start. Balance is key to helping students return to school healthy, focused and ready to learn.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once they arrive at school, the Blue Valley School District promotes healthy screen time habits in the classroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe actively teach students beginning in elementary and through high school about digital wellness, digital literacy and balance,\u201d June said. \u201cWe work with our educators to make good decisions around the use of technology in instruction. Educators are encouraged to only have students use technology when it deepens learning, creates an educational experience that wouldn’t be possible without it or opens the doors to deeper collaboration and creation. We promote a balance with analog activities and an emphasis on them at grades K-2.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n While quality screen time use can be helpful in building connection, too much screen time use can have the following harmful effects on mental health, according to Adams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kansas City nonprofit Screen Sanity<\/a> helps families and communities pursue digital health. Here are a couple of tips they share to reduce screen time use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Blue Valley School District will soon launch a webpage dedicated to this topic where families can learn about the district\u2019s approach with student devices, what technologies are available at each level, data related to student use and tips for families wanting to know more. One of the most valuable resources the district will share is the American Academy of Pediatrics Family Media Plan<\/a>\u00a0that walks families through these decisions and putting in place expectations that match their family’s values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Screen Sanity is offering tech tips<\/a> inspired by this summer\u2019s buzz-worthy blockbuster movie hit. Here are some more resources they offer for parents to unbundle their tech.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPassive vs. quality screen time<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Play time instead of screen time<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Balancing screen time in the classroom<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Screen time\u2019s impact on mental health<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Screen time tips from Adams<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Screen Sanity<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Resources<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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