UPMC Expert: Limit Screen Time to Get Kids Moving this Summer

Jenna Farquhar, M.D.
UPMC Williamsport Family Medicine Residency

With screens virtually everywhere, monitoring a child’s screen time can be challenging. To complicate matters, some screen time can be educational and support children’s social development. It is important to pull your kids away from the screen and get them outside and moving. The healthiest children have a balance between outdoor and online play. So how do you manage your child’s screen time?

Parents Should Model Screen Time

The first thing all parents should do is look at their actions. Your children learn first by watching you. Are you binge-watching your favorite show, scrolling through TikTok and Instagram, and posting every action on X or Facebook? Then, you shouldn’t be surprised when your child is obsessed with comments and loves on Instagram or binge-watching YouTube videos. They are modeling your behavior and following in your footsteps. You have a responsibility to watch what you’re teaching.

Tips for limiting parent screen time:

• Keep electronics off during meals.
• Turn off electronics in the car.
• Limit computer socializing by using a screen time tracker.
• Take up a family hobby to deal with boredom.
• Put phones away at a specific time every night.

The Downside of Screen Time

Screen time does provide some positive cognitive challenges for young people, but it also has some downsides. The American College of Pediatricians reports the following negative effects screen time can have on children:

• Content can scare young children, causing nightmares and impacting sleep quality.
• Electronics and a television in the bedroom can cause sleep and behavioral issues.
• Screen time takes away time from face-to-face communication and outdoor play, reading, chores, and sleeping.
• Relying on screentime for soothing or distractions can lead to “addictions” where the child’s behavior can become dependent on the screentime.
• Preschool children demonstrate more skill with technology than with life skills such as tying their shoes, riding a bike, or swimming.
• Excessive screen time from ages 12-24 months can adversely impact brain development.
• Social media contributes to depression, an increase in bullying behaviors, and exposes children early to sexually explicit material.

How to Get Moving and Get More Outside Time

Summer in Pennsylvania is the perfect time to learn new and better habits to get your kids outside more, as well as create new family memories. Outdoor time can help your children develop physically and socially. The sun and fresh air provide important exposure to sunlight and increase physical activity while improving your immune system.

Here are a few tips to get you and your children outside:

• Encourage non-screen-based interests such as playing sports, going to dance classes, and playing outside.
• Explore the local neighborhoods. Visit the local parks and explore the playground, or have a picnic.
• Set up play dates with other children.
• Plant a garden. You’ll have the benefit of working outside in the garden and showing your kids a healthy way to eat.
• Help your child build a fort in the backyard, all you need is a rope and some sheets.
• Go for walks or bike rides around the neighborhood.
• Create an outdoor scavenger hunt or make your child collect and identify leaves from different trees.

Screen time has become an integral part of children’s lives, and parents must communicate the importance of healthy screen time habits. By setting clear expectations and explaining the potential risks associated with excessive screen time, parents can help their children develop responsible digital habits. Remember that every family’s approach may be different based on individual circumstances but prioritizing open communication about the importance of limiting excessive screens can go a long way in helping children develop healthier habits overall.Jenna Farquhar, M.D., is a third-year family medicine resident with a strong focus on procedures, obstetrics, and pediatric care. Dr. Farquhar plans to practice full-scope family medicine with a special focus on women’s health and pediatric care. Educated at an international medical school in Be’er Sheva, Israel, Dr. Farquhar has a background in working with small, underserved communities, providing comprehensive and compassionate care. Dr. Farquhar sees patients at UPMC Health Innovation Center, 740 High St., Williamsport, and to schedule an appointment, call 570-321-2345. To learn more about UPMC Family Medicine services in north central Pa., go to UPMC.com/PrimaryCareNCPA