Studies have shown that many Australian families are exceeding the recommended daily screen limits, with the extent of screen use increasing with a child’s age.
But while it’s depressing to hear, it’s also not surprising. As a parent of kids myself, I know how hard it is to access information. When it comes to screens and the digital world, parents are operating in the dark when it comes to understanding how much screen time is age-appropriate, and how to make responsible tech choices to set kids up for healthy tech habits later in life.
Cyberpsychologist Jocelyn Brewer has seen firsthand how little information there is out there for parents, and as a mum and digital wellbeing expert, she decided to create something to help parents find their way in this digital world. Her new program, Screens in Early Childhood, is designed to empower parents and early childhood educators to understand how to incorporate digital media and screens into the lives of children in a safe and responsible way, without the guilt.
“As a parent to a five-year-old myself, I know how hard it can be to manage and monitor digital use for kids under the age of six, but I also know the impact of screen time on young kids and their essential development. Studies show many Australian children are having more than the recommended amount of screen time each day, but this isn’t about parent shaming, parents simply aren’t being set up to succeed,” says Jocelyn.
The program, delivered online over four weeks, is designed to provide practical tools for parents so they can walk away knowing how to manage screen use, and how to make the most of screen alternatives.
Jocelyn is a Sydney-based psychologist with a special interest in the psychology of technology and staying human in a digital age
“This program is designed for parents with kids aged 6 months to 6 years old, based on my own experiences, studies and best-practice guidelines. I’ll be digesting the latest research and providing practical strategies for intentional screen time, without the scream-time,” says Jocelyn.
As parents, there’s no denying we live in a digital world, and we need to build our own skills in order to identify and appraise what’s appropriate for toddlers when it comes to games, apps and shows.
The way we interact with tech around our children can also have an impact on the healthy habits they build, so getting out own relationship right and setting our own boundaries and healthy habits around tech is also essential.
If you’re a parent or early childhood educator looking to empower yourself about what’s ok when it comes to screens and little kids, sign up for Jocelyn’s four-week course at: https://jocelynbrewer.com/screens-in-early-childhood/
