The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently released updated guidelines on digital ecosystems for children and adolescents, mostly shifting away from firm screen time limits to a more nuanced approach focused on the quality of content.
The new report continues to warn parents of the dangers of children absorbing content that is more commercialized and algorithmic, as these addictive features can produce negative consequences. However, child-centered designs that encourage critical thinking, are age appropriate and foster social connection can provide benefits.
The report emphasizes parental standards to be more focused on content quality instead of screen time limits. Children 18 months and younger are still recommended to limit screen time use because of "immature cognitive processing."
Leah Singh is the director of the Florida State University Children's Learning Clinic, a research-based clinic within the Department of Psychology that specializes in evidence-based evaluations of children with ADHD and co-occurring learning and behavior challenges. She has received extensive training in assessment, consultation and intervention across hospital, clinic, university and school settings.
Singh believes the updated guidelines by the AAP are a necessary reflection of the modern world where children and parents can evolve with appropriate media.
"I think the updated American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines are a welcomed and appropriate adjustment," Singh said. "They align much more closely with advances in research and address current challenges that families face when trying to set appropriate boundaries and monitor their children's digital use in today's ever evolving digital world."
