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How to Reduce Your Child’s Daily Screen Time

These days it is easier than ever for adults and children to be exposed to excessive screen time, especially with online learning during the pandemic and all the technological advances being made. Cell phones, computers, television, and tablets are all a part of almost everyone’s daily lives. Although technology is helpful and has proven to have positive effects on learning, too much screen time, especially from ages 0-5, can affect childrens’ development, relationships, and behaviors.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), it is recommended that screen time should be discouraged for any child under the age of 18 months (except for video chat), and that children age 2 and older should have no more than 1 hour of screen time per day.

The article from AAP, “Media and Young Minds” states that excessive screen time in children has been associated with:

  • inactivity and higher risk for obesity
  • less sleep
  • Cognitive, language, and social/emotional delays

The article also states that educational television programs like Sesame Street, and PBS programing and apps have been shown positive outcomes for cognition and social skills; however, other apps and television programs that market educational benefits may not always prove to be effective and beneficial. In addition, watching television and playing on apps or other programs with an adult present has been shown to be an added benefit since the adult is there to explain and help understand the content that is being presented to the child.

Reducing screen time may feel impossible in some instances, especially during online learning. However, you can try following some of these tips and suggestions to reduce screen time and the negative effects it can have on your child.

  • Replace sedentary screen time with screen time that encourages movement (yoga, dancing, etc.)
  • Encourage hands on activities and toys for your child that promote development of language, social skills, and gross/fine motor skills (books, board games, card games, etc.)
  • Eliminate screens from the bedroom and discourage screen time 1 hour before bedtime
  • Eliminate background media during mealtimes, and turn off screens when they are not in use (computer, TV, tablet, phones, etc.)
  • Establish a family game night during a time usually spent watching television
  • Try “Tech free Tuesday” (if not possible to go without it all day- go without technology after the school/work day)
  • Eliminate cell phone use during interactions (family games, homework, mealtimes, etc.)
  • Ask yourself is screen time is educational or for entertainment- encourage more educational screen time interactions
  • Participate and interact with your child during screen time to increase engagement and understanding of the content being presented

For more information and details regarding screen time and the article referenced, you can access the full article here:

AAP COUNCIL ON COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA. Media and Young Minds. Pediatrics. 2016;138(5):e20162591. https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/138/5/e20162591

-Marla Griswold, OTR/L

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Crystal Scheibe

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Great place, glad we found them. Been going to Medina over 2 months now and he loves Lauryn and Kyler. Wish they had more ABA therapy places available... live in Wooster and long drive everyday.

Karrie Swan LaRock

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My 11 year old son has dyslexia and has made noticeable gains in working At LLA THERAPY. Katie is strong in her approach toward him and also keeps him comfortable enough to perform well. We will continue visiting both the Fairlawn and Hudson offices and recommend them highly.

Ron Monroe

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My 9 year old just completed about 9 months of weekly speech sessions (due to his stuttering) with Matt Hagge at LLA and we are thrilled with the experience and results. What I thought might be a negative (what kid really wants to go to speech class?) was made very positive by Matt, and my son never hesitated or complained when we talked about class. He really enjoyed it and really took what Matt taught him to heart. His speech has been greatly improved and we definitely recommend LLA. Thank you so much!

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My son’s Occupational Therapist, Jess, is an amazing OT! She gives practical tips on working with my son at home and school!

Terri Apgar

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I cannot say enough good things about LLA Therapy. My daughter was a client of Teal Simmons’ for approximately 2 years and was just released from speech therapy! She was diagnosed with Apraxia in 2015 and worked with Teal twice a week. Through Teal’s application of PROMPT therapy, my daughter had age-appropriate speech after one year. All of the staff we interacted with at LLA were absolutely wonderful. They really care about what they do and making sure your child achieves their goals.

Kelli Geisler Davisson

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LLA Therapy has been an excellent experience for my son as well as my family! My son always asks, "When can I go see Ms. Jeannine again, is it Monday??" He has also made huge gains in only 5 months! I would highly recommend LLA and have already shared my experience with friends looking for services!

Victoria Hansford-Price

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We are so grateful for our Speech Therapist Ms.Teal. We have seen a great improvement with our sons confidence and communication abilities since we have started "Prompt" therapy. What we love the most about LLA and Ms. Teal is that Kohl feels comfortable and relaxed which has played a critical role in his progress. Thank you Ms. Teal for all you have done.

Laura Lee Hogsett

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They have helped in numerous ways. Speech, OT and behavioral. I've had numerous compliments on my son's progress thanks in very large part to LLA. I would recommend LLA before I recommend our local children's hospitals, though they are good, they don't have the staff that LLA does.

Amy Furukawa

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We had a great experience with Matt Hagge at LLA! Our Middle School age son was becoming very conscious of his voice, which is nasal due to a cleft palate. Matt helped him to better form his sounds and project his voice in a way that makes the unavoidable nasality less noticeable.Our son is more confident and outgoing & even took on a speaking role in the church play. Matt has the perfect personality to relate with our son, and we would recommend him to anyone needing speech therapy services!

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LLA Therapy has been an excellent experience for our daughter. I would highly recommend LLA. Miss Grace was so amazing and I can't believe how quickly our daughter showed improvement. Thank you!
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