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Grandparents Are Spoiling Kids with Too Much Video Screen Access
BY MARIA TAYLOR
As a kid, one of the cool things about visiting Grandma and Grandpa was getting spoiled and having grandparents stand up for you when your parents told you off. However, while candy used to be the treat of choice when grandparents spoil kids, they now spoil them with video screen time.
A new study published by the Journal of Children and Media shows grandparents are a major factor in a growing generation of couch-potato toddlers. According to the research, grandchildren spend more than half their time on a video screen device when visiting grandparents.
Few argue smartphones and tablets have not revolutionized lives. Video screens allow us to access our favorite media, entertainment websites, online casino Pennsylvania website Casino-Pennsylvania, and play games. Video screens are amazing when used in moderation, even amongst children.
Results showed that during every four-hour visit to Grandma and Grandpa, children were spending two hours using a video screen device.
However, grandparents are apparently overindulging kids with access to smartphones, laptops, and tablets. The research was conducted by Rutgers University in collaboration with Israel’s Ben-Gurion University, looking at children aged two to seven. Data was based on 365 grandparents who look after their grandchildren at least once each week.
Results showed that during every four-hour visit to Grandma and Grandpa, children were spending two hours using a video screen device.
The activity of choice when using the device was either playing games or watching videos. Researchers also found that Grandpa is more likely to spoil kids with media more than Grandma, giving kids access to devices for longer periods.
Furthermore, boys are more likely to take advantage of the goodwill of their grandparents and spend around 17 minutes longer on a device compared to girls. There also seems to be a correlation between a child’s age and how much screen time they want. The study found kids aged 6 to 7 use PCs, tablets, and smartphones for longer.
An author of the study says grandparents should create strict rules around access to video screen devices when their grandkids are visiting:
“Grandparents play a significant role in raising their grandchildren. We need to educate them about the impact of media on children’s lives and on proper use that will benefit the well-being of their grandchildren,” Dafna Lemish, who co-authored the study, told News-Medical.net.
Sure, many grandparents might be reading this and thinking education begins at home. If kids are addicted to video screens, then that comes from their parents, right? Partly yes, but a separate study recently reported kids to spend around 13 percent of a full day using a video screen device when with their parents.
…the American Academy of Pediatrics warns parents to only allow toddlers access to devices for around one hour each day and then only recommends educational programming.
According to data presented by the University of Calgary, kids aged between two and five are using devices between two and three hours per day. That particular study involved 2,441 mothers.
While studies are ongoing, previous research has shown kids spending too much time on video screen devices can be hampered in terms of social development. Indeed, the American Academy of Pediatrics warns parents to only allow toddlers access to devices for around one hour each day and then only recommends educational programming.
Let’s remember that grandparents are a wonderful influence on children. Grandma and Grandpa have found a new avenue to spoil their grandchildren, but they continue to provide a wealth of positives in kids’ lives. From experience and information to emotional support, grandparents are a vital part of the growth of a healthy child.
Many people are still adjusting to a modern world where kids have access to constant media consumption. Studies like the ones detailed above can help grandparents to adapt to changing times and make the best choices for their grandkids.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR – MARIA TAYLOR
Maria Taylor is content marketing expert & has contributed on several blogs online. She loves to write for blogs & feel free to connect with here on Twitter & Linkedin.
