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Extra time during summer months can lead to Media Addiction

Some public schools are out for the summer, and others will be soon. That means kids may have free time to use social media and play videogames. But how much screen time is too much for today’s youth?

 

 

Sarah Domoff, an Assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at Central Michigan University, said too much screen time can have an effect on a child’s well being.

 

“What we know from the research on excessive video gaming and using mobile devices too much, around bed time for example, is that the use of screen media can have an impact on the child’s well being, their sleep, and different health outcomes.”

 

Domoff said it’s also important for parents to make sure the content is age-appropriate. She said parents should be proactive in their approach to structuring media use.

 

“What’s really important for parents to do is even before they purchase mobile devices for their children is to come up with a plan, like a family media plan for how they want media and technology to be used in their home.”

 

Domoff said it’s important for families to plan structured activities to prevent “Media Addiction”.

 

“Sometimes when we have structured activities there is less opportunity for the child to go behind the screen or play video games so what’s really important during the summer is that families think about ways to keep the child active and have their days kind of structured.”

 

Domoff said there should be screen free zones, outside activities, and moderation in screen media use.