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PARENTS CORNER: MARCH 2019

Is your children's screen time making them competitive, or rotting their brain? Does it keep them quiet, or teach them new skills? When it comes to screen time, today's parents have a lot to consider. Check out this list of Tech Tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

1. Make a family media use plan by going to healthychildren.org/MediaUsePlan.

2. Set limits.

3. Make unplugged playtime a daily priority.

4. Co-view, co-play and co-engage with your children when they are using screens.

5. Don't just monitor. Interact.

6. Be a good role model.

7. Use face-to-face communication with active listening.

8. Avoid digital media for toddlers, other than video chats with loved ones. Ages 2-5 can use up to one hour of high-quality screen time, when reinforced with interaction and repetition in the real world.

9. Maintain tech-free zones, such as family mealtimes or bedrooms.

10. Teach your kids about privacy and the dangers of online predators. Remind older children that anything they share becomes a part of their permanent digital footprint.

11. Handle mistakes using media with empathy and create a teachable moment.

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