I've gotten lots of questions about what families should do about media and #screentime while stuck at home. Here's what we're suggesting from the @AmerAcadPeds - 1/
As families reorganize their days to adjust to the COVID-19 situation, we urge parents to preserve offline experiences, which help families connect emotionally, process difficult experiences, and heal. 2/
Make a plan. Talk with your kids about what your daily structure will be, how you will handle stress, and when you will take breaks from tele-work or school work to relax and connect with each other. 3/
Communicate with teachers about what educational online and offline activities your children should be doing. School districts should have more information about local telecom providers providing free wifi to low-income families, and some may distribute tablets or laptops. 4/
In early childhood, teachers may not have an online curriculum to share. Good options include @PBSKIDS (pbs.org/parents), which is sending out a daily newsletter with show and activity ideas. 5/
Use social media for good. Check in with your neighbors, friends and loved ones. Advocate for the children in your community and share resources with neighbors. If schools are closed, are students eating meals and able to access the internet for at-home learning? 6/
Use media for social connection. During social distancing, people can feel isolated and disconnected. Social media will allow families and teens to continue to have interactions with friends and supports. 7/
Be selective about viewing positive content, and use trusted sources to find it, such as Common Sense Media @CommonSense , who have been compiling lots of ideas for families hunkering down right now. 8/
Use media together. This makes it easier to monitor what your older children are seeing online, follow what your children are learning, and to relax together while you appreciate the storytelling and meaning that movies can bring. 9/
Take your child (virtually) to work. Parents might also be asked to telecommute. While expectations may need to be adjusted, this is also a chance to show your kids a part of your world. 10/
Find offline activities that help your family calm down and communicate - physical, creative, or playful. Create the space for family members to talk about their worries. 11/
Parents - Notice your own tech reactions. When you’re getting too sucked into news or social media feeds and it’s stressing you out, take a break. 12/
Limits are still important. The same guidance applies about technology use not displacing sleep, physical activity, reading, reflective downtime, or family connection. Challenge your children to practice “tech self-control” and turn off tech themselves.
