First Official advice on children's social media and screen time use
Based on available evidence, the UK Chief Medical Officers have published their first advice on screen and social media use in children and young people.
Technology can be a wonderful thing but too much time sitting down or using mobile devices can get in the way of important, healthy activities. Here are the tips for balancing screen use with healthy living:
Leave phones outside the bedroom at bedtime to ensure good quality sleep,
Make sure your children know they can speak to a responsible adult if they feel uncomfortable with screen or social media use
Advise they put their screens away while crossing the road
Talk about sharing content and how photos and words are sometimes manipulated. When in doubt about sharing a photo of your child don’t upload
Everyone should take a break after a couple of hours sitting using a screen
Be aware and abide by their school’s policy on screen time
Use the special features to keep track of time you (and, with their permission, your children) spend looking at a screen
Screen-free meal times are a good idea – you can enjoy face-to-face conversation and give your full attention to children
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