Digital task force

Question 1

what are the four essential M’s of healthy screen time

Answer 1

Manage- make a family media plan
Meaningful- screen activities that are educational, active, social
Model- encourage daily “screen free” time (meals etc)
Monitor- oppositional behavior, negative emotions

Question 2

what are some benefits to screen time (6)

Answer 2

1. can improve academic performance
2. can reduce learning gaps in mathematics
3. lower depression risk
4. socialization
5. make friendships
6. enrich literacy skills

Question 3

what are some risks associated with screen time

Answer 3

1. negatively effects development and behavior
2. increased conduct problems
3. higher depressive symptoms
4. multitasking has negative impact on learning and academic achievement
5. depressive symptoms (younger children)

Question 4

what are 3 impacts on physical health due to screen use

Answer 4

1. physical activity- not clear evidence that it decreased physical activity
2. weight- increased weight gain
3. sleep- interferes with duration and quality

Question 5

how much screen time should a child <2 have?

Answer 5

no screen time recommended less than 2 years old

Question 6

how much screen time is recommended for a child from 2-5yo

Answer 6

limit screen time to less than 1 hour per day

Question 7

what are the 4 M recommendations for children <5 with regards to screen use

Answer 7

Minimize- 2-5 yo= 1 h per day, none before bed, have screen free times
Mitigate- be present when screens are used, be aware of content
Be Mindful- develop a family media plan
Model- choose healthy alternatives, turn off phone during family time

Question 8

what are 10 questions to consider asking family regarding screen use

Answer 8

1. What kind of screens are in your home? Which does your child use?
2. Is watching TV or programs/movies on other devices a shared family activity and a common way to relax? How often is a screen on in the background although no one is really watching?
3. Does anyone in the family use screens during mealtimes?
4. What do you watch with your child? What does your child watch alone?
5. Do you encourage or discourage conversation with your child while you are using screens?
6. Do you ever watch adult/commercial programming with your child?
7. Does your child use screens while you do chores around the home? Often? Sometimes?
8. Are there any screen-based activities in your child’s day care program? Do you know how much these are used?
9. Does your child use any kind of screen before bedtime? How long before bedtime? Is there a TV or computer in your child’s
   bedroom? Does your child take mobile devices into the bedroom?
10. Does your family have rules or guidelines for screen use that everyone understands and shares?

Question 9

what are some signs of problematic screen use

Answer 9

interfering with sleep, face to face interactions, school

Complaints about being bored or unhappy without access to technology.
Oppositional behaviour in response to screen time limits.
Screen use that interferes with sleep, school or face-to-face interactions.
Screen time that interferes with offline play, physical activities or socializing face-to-face.
Negative emotions following online interactions or video games or while texting