Help Youth Manage Their Screen Time.

• Position: SOCIALIZATION

Not surprisingly, children are spending more time with screen media than ever before, and at younger ages. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the average eight- to 12-year-old spends four to six hours a day watching or using screens. Teens spend up to nine hours daily, and research also suggests that they spend an average of one hour daily on social media.

Excessive screen time often leads to limited outdoor or physical activity, less interaction with family and friends, sleep challenges, and increased mood problems (depression, anxiety, etc.). Youth also may be exposed to developmentally inappropriate content, cyberbullying, predators, and more.

"Despite this, not all screen time is bad," notes Naomi Brower, extension professor in the Home and Community Department at Utah State University. "There are many benefits and opportunities, including connecting youth with friends and family, promoting social support and inclusion, and providing educational opportunities."

Parents play a critical role in helping children navigate the digital world. Consider these suggestions from Brower:

* Set limits. "The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization encourage families to ensure plenty of time for physical activity and social interaction. There isn't a magic number for the appropriate amount of screen time per child, but it is important that what they watch and play is quality, age appropriate, and that parents know what their child is doing."

* Select high-quality media. 'While not all media has to be educational, help maximize screen time with media that helps children think critically develops their creativity through creating songs, art, poetry, etc., or that helps them connect with and understand the world around them." * Spend time with your child. "Screen time doesn't have to be alone time. Watching and playing together can increase social interactions, learning, and bonding."

* Create boundaries and tech-free zones. "Keep family mealtimes and gatherings screen-free to build social bonds and engage in two-way conversation--and since electronics can be a potential...