Guidelines for Screen Use for Children Under 3 Years Old.

Babies today are born into a world of digital devices. And parents are trying to navigate this new reality—specifically figuring out what role these new gadgets should play in the lives of their young children. This is no small task given that parents are bombarded with a lot of conflicting advice, much of which is ideological and not based on science.

To fill this critical gap, ZERO TO THREE has developed Screen Sense:  Setting the Record Straight—Research-based Guidelines for Screen Use for Children Under 3 Years Old. This new free resource, written in partnership with leading researchers in the field of media and young children, is an authoritative review of what is known about the effect of screen media on young children’s learning and development.  It is designed to serve as a tool for guiding parents and professionals in making informed decisions about screen media use.

One of the biggest takeaways that the organization, along with a group of leading researchers, found was that screens shouldn’t necessarily be avoided all together. But they should be enjoyed with an adult. In its list of tips culled from the study, Zero to Three urges parents to watch shows together and talk to your child about what is happening on the screen, prompting them with questions when appropriate. The organization also encourages getting kids moving during screen time by acting out the movements and scenes they see.

Another tip: Take what you’ve learned on screen and make the connection to the real world. If you’ve just learned about animals, head to the zoo or take a walk around the block spotting as many as you can see. Or relate the challenges characters have faced on-screen to issues your child might be dealing with.

In addition to the above information, the study also summarized 5 myths about children and media in the infographic below.