Using the scenario below, identify the effects of the use of media by a child at the preschool stage and outline recommendations for media use for this stage.
Scenario:
A parent tells you that their preschool-aged child loves using a smartphone, iPad, computer games, or watching tv. The parent is not sure if it is appropriate for their child and wants to learn more.
Explain at least 3 research-based findings about the effects of media use on a preschool-aged child (3 to 5 years of age).
Provide at least 2 recommendations for the parent regarding the appropriate use of media for a child in this stage.
Support with authoritative sources.
Social and Emotional Development: Heavy media use can interfere with a child's ability to develop critical social and emotional skills. Preschoolers learn to regulate their emotions and understand social cues through face-to-face interactions and imaginative play with peers and adults. When screen time replaces this essential interaction, a child may have fewer opportunities to practice empathy, cooperation, and problem-solving. Some studies have linked excessive media use to behavioral issues and difficulty with emotional regulation.
Physical Health and Sleep: Excessive screen time is often linked to a sedentary lifestyle, which can increase a child’s risk of weight gain and obesity. Additionally, the blue light emitted from screens can disrupt a child’s natural sleep cycle by suppressing the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding screen time in the hour before bedtime to prevent sleep disturbances.
Recommendations for Appropriate Media Use
Establish Time Limits and Content Quality: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children aged 2-5 years should be limited to one hour per day of high-quality screen time. Parents should prioritize educational and pro-social programming that encourages interaction and active learning. They should avoid fast-paced, violent, or overly stimulating content. The parent should preview apps and shows to ensure they are age-appropriate and align with their values.
Make it a Shared Experience: Rather than using media as a digital babysitter, parents should co-view media with their child. This turns a passive activity into an interactive one. The parent can engage the child by asking questions, discussing the content, and connecting it to real-world experiences. For example, if they watch a show about animals, they can talk about the animals they see at a farm or in a book afterward. This interaction helps the child process information and strengthens the parent-child bond.
Sample Answer
Effects of Media Use on Preschool-Aged Children
Based on current research, the use of media by preschool-aged children has both potential benefits and risks that parents should consider. The key is understanding how specific types of content and duration of use can affect a child’s development.
Cognitive and Language Development: Excessive or inappropriate media use can negatively impact a preschooler's cognitive skills. Research shows that passive screen time, such as watching television, can reduce a child’s opportunities for hands-on exploration and social interaction, which are crucial for brain development. One study found that for every extra hour of screen time, preschoolers experienced a slight decrease in language skills. Conversely, high-quality, interactive content can support cognitive and language development, especially when an adult co-views and engages with the child.