What are iPad Kids?
Lindsay Knake
| 3 min read
You may have seen social media videos of Gen Zers talking about “iPad kids.” It’s a term for children who have been raised on technology and screens. So how bad is it?
While screens can provide education and entertainment, it is important to moderate screen time for children. Learn more about the negative effects of too much screen time and how to limit it.
The state of screen time for kids
Today’s children do spend a lot of time on screens, an average of nearly eight hours a day in the United States, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. This includes phones, tablets, TVs, computers and gaming consoles.
Babies as young as 4 months are now being exposed to screens, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. More than 75% of households with children age 8 and older have video games, and 75% of teens have smartphones. About half of teens with smartphones say they are addicted to the devices.
Screen time has increased with the proliferation of smartphones and tablets, and virtual school during the COVID-19 pandemic also led to an hour a day of increases of screen time that hasn’t declined, according to a study.
What are the negative effects of too much screen time?
Too much screen time can lead to:
- Weight gain
- Irregular sleep
- Impaired learning
- Worsening mental health
Kids age 5 and older need at least an hour of exercise every day and eight to 12 hours of sleep a night. Spending time on phones, TV or video games can cut into that important activity and rest time. Light from screens can cause eye strain and disrupt sleep, which is essential for development and overall health, according to Harvard Health.
In children age 5 and younger, too much screen time and not enough active playtime can limit their motor skill development and curiosity, according to the Cleveland Clinic. And spending face to face time with family and loved ones teaches important communication and relationship skills.
Screentime is also related to mental health. A meta-analysis of studies that included data from nearly 230,000 children worldwide found increased screen time was associated with increased anxiety, depression, aggression and hyperactivity. Children dealing with these problems also turned to screens to cope with their feelings.
What are healthy amounts of screen time for kids?
Not all screen time is the same; it can include entertainment, talking to friends and doing homework. Schoolwork is a necessity, staying connected with friends is important and some entertainment can be both fun and educational. However, children and teens should have limited screen time.
The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these recommendations for screen time by age:
- 18 months and younger: minimal or no screen time
- 2 to 5: less than an hour a day
- 5 and older: screen time should not displace sleep, exercise, schoolwork or family time
Setting screen limits depends on the type of media and the individual child. Beyond these, parents should:
- Halt screen use an hour before bed.
- Offer physical toys that encourage curiosity.
- Read books with kids.
- Turn off background TV.
- Avoid screens during mealtimes.
- Co-view movies and TV shows with kids.
- Have media-free time with family and friends.
- Encourage screen-free activities such as sports and active play.
- Set a good example with phone and screen use.
- Talk to their kids about media and screens.
- Make a family media plan.
- Be consistent with screen time and family rules.
Limiting screen time early is easier than trying to get kids to stay off screens later. By offering physically and mentally enriching activities to infants, toddlers and children, they can develop in a healthy way and learn moderation with screens.
Image: Getty Images
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