10 Reasons Why I Will continue to give My Children Handheld Devices
Last week we published the link and a short commentary based on the Huffington Post article: 1o Reasons Why Handheld Devices should be banned from children under the Age of 12. This week we are delighted to share with you a response to that same article published by blogger Hipmombrarian: mother of two girls and a librarian.
We certainly appreciate the fact that girls hardly enter technological fields. This is quite marked in the Caribbean Region. Does this trend start from as young as under 12 years? Could the young child who isn’t using technology often be … left behind?
Everything in moderation! Please tell us your thoughts after you have enjoyed the other side of the tech coin: 10 Reasons Why I Will continue to give My Children Handheld Devices.
Learn More10 Reasons Why Handheld Devices Should Be Banned for Children Under the Age of 12
The entire staff of Tots to Teens stands behind the American and Canadian Paediatric Associations in their call for parents and caregivers to consciously monitor children and their exposure to electronic media.
Note well: children under age 2 years should not be exposed to electronic media at all!
Talk to your pediatrician and your family doctor about any concerns you may have.
http:// http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/4899218
The consequences of overexposure are real.
Learn MoreEarlier bedtimes may fend off Teen Depression
Earlier bedtimes may fend off teen depression – chicagotribune.com.
DOES SLEEP AFFECT BEHAVIOUR? YOU BET!
In the past years several studies have shown that a lack of sleep may cause teenagers to be cranky, fall asleep in class, struggle with exams, reduce their performance in sports, increase obesity, exacerbate asthma and actually lead to insomnia.
A new study confirms something paediatricians and parents already suspected: One key to having happy, healthy and less depressed children is to have earlier bedtimes.
The study was conducted by researchers at Columbia University and appears in the journal Sleep. It shows that adolescents and teens with strict bedtimes of 10 p.m. or earlier were less likely to be depressed and to have suicidal thoughts than classmates whose parents allowed them to stay up until midnight or even later.
HOW MUCH SLEEP DOES A TEENAGER NEED?
Another study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health examined the sleep habits of more than 12,000 high school students and found that a mere 8 percent are getting at least the recommended nine hours of sleep per night.
The Columbia researchers found that bedtimes set by parents were almost as important as the number of hours slept. Kids who were sent to bed at midnight or later were 24 percent more likely to be depressed and 20 percent more likely to have thoughts about suicide compared to teens whose lights had to be off by 10 p.m.
TEENAGERS SHOULD KNOW WHEN TO GO TO BED…RIGHT?
Teens who have a set bedtime are more likely to get enough sleep. The researchers surveyed 15,000 children in grades 7 to 12 and their parents, and found that more than two-thirds of the adolescents said they went to bed when they were supposed to. For 54 percent of kids, that’s 10 p.m. or earlier on school nights. Another 21 percent must go to bed by 11 p.m., and 25 percent go to bed at midnight or later.
WHAT CAN I DO? THEY DON’T LISTEN TO ME…
Many little changes can help you and your teen have a good night sleep. Routine is important. Talk to your children about the need for sleep. To understand sleep a little better check out this website. Bedtime should be agreed on by everyone. Kids from age 12 to age 15 years need 9-9.5 hours sleep, which is roughly one hour MORE than their 7-12 year old siblings may require! Occasional “all-nighters” to finish a project or cram for a test are devastating to the body, the brain and the teenagers memory. These must be avoided. Help your teen to plan ahead so that this is not a regular part of their school life. On weekends and holidays don’t vary bedtimes more than 2-3 hours. Naps should not be for more than 30 minutes.
Exercise (half an hour three times a week), at least 2 hours before bedtime can help teens to get a good night sleep. Restrict caffeine intake in teenagers (that included Cola drinks!) with no soda or coffee after 4pm. Nicotine in cigarettes, chews and other devices is a stimulant and must also be avoided. Smoking is bad for your health in SO many ways.
BEDTIME RULES FOR TEENS
- Relax the mind: Begin to unwind one hour before bedtime. Avoid scary or action packed movies just before bed. Opted for a book, writing in a journal or even a soothing bath in the hour before bedtime. Take some time to prepare for the next day – take out clothes and equipment for after school activities, make lunch and a healthy snack to carry to school. Freeze some water for a cool drink the next afternoon.
- Turn off all electronics (laptop included) 1/2 hour before they head to bed.
- There should be no TV in the bedroom! We at Caribbean Tots to Teens are strong advocates of parents ACTIVELY CONTROLLING exposure to electronic media at every age. If there is a TV in the bedroom it should NOT be on in the background at bedtime.
- Cell phones should be charge in the kitchen, or next to Mom’s bed if that is what it takes.
- ensure your child feels safe at night. Reassure them of your presence and where appropriate be sure they know how to raise an alarm (or press a panic button) if they feel threatened.
Some medications, depression, severe airway obstruction / sleep apnoea (usually due to allergies) and other medical factors can also contribute to a lack of sleep for your teen. Talk to your teenager about what is going on with them and the importance of a good nights sleep. Make a plan for your children that everyone can embrace. If you think more help is needed see your doctor or adolescent specialist.
Sleep is essential for the health and wellness of every member of the family. Lead by your own example. How are things in YOUR house at night?
Learn MorePolicy Statement—Media Education ~American Academy of Pediatrics Sept 2010
There are numerous studies that demonstrate the dangers of over exposure to media for children. In this revised document from the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) new research is brought o bear on the rapidly expanding problem of electronic media and child development.
Language delay, Obesity and Aggression are only a few of the developmental problems directly related to excessive exposure to media in childhood and adolescence.
Policy Statement—Media Education.
IMPORTANT TAKE HOME TIPS for parents include
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Toddlers under age 2 years SHOULD NOT Be using electronic media AT ALL. (special report)
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NO television, video games or electronic play (ePlay) devices should be in the child’s bedroom.
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Limit and focus time spent with electronic media: No more than 2 hours a day should be spent in ePlay; electronic entertainment for any child between 2 years and 16 years old. The TV should never be a babysitter.
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Be a good example to your children: let them see you engaging in other forms of entertainment. Make it a point for family discussion adventure.
Change involves the whole family and creative, consistent thought, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Healthy Lifestyle choices today build a Healthy Future for tomorrow.
Learn MoreTime to Unplug the TV!
One study found that children who spent more than eight hours watching TV each week at age 3 were more likely to be obese at age 7. Having a TV in their bedroom ups their chances of being overweight even more, says Amy Jamieson-Petonic, RD, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
These guidelines will help your family maintain just the right amount of screen time.
- Limit TV and other media to less than two hours per day for kids age 2 and older. Do not allow television viewing for children less than 2 years of age, according to recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- Keep TV out of the bedrooms.
- With the exception of an occasional family movie and pizza night, keep television sets off while eating.
- Sit down with your kids to help them select the specific TV shows they’ll watch, giving them some control and helping them make decisions. Watch with them when you can.