Recently, my seven-year-old was engrossed in the new “Ocean Explorers” movie. He excitedly informed me about the volcanoes in the Pacific Ocean. “Yes,” I replied, “That’s known as ‘The Ring of Fire.’” “I know,” he said. “The Ring of Fire encircles the entire Pacific Ocean, with some volcanoes being small and others quite large.” He returned to watching “Ocean Explorers.” I referenced this again while writing, and he reiterated his knowledge about the Ring of Fire. He absorbed this information from a cartoon. Criticize screen time all you want, but it’s not all the same.
If you disagree, you must not have experienced “Sesame Avenue” as a child.
I use Duolingo for Spanish, and when I reach the numbers section, I often find myself singing the “Sesame Avenue” counting song to differentiate between seis and siete (I frequently mix them up). “Sesame Avenue” taught me:
- Basic Spanish vocabulary
- Environmental awareness (we produce too much waste)
- The concept of loss (remembering Mr. Hooper)
- Numbers (thanks to a vampire)
- The alphabet (I genuinely learned my letters through “Sesame Avenue”)
Sure, my parents let me watch a fair amount of “David the Gnome,” “The Smurfs,” and “My Little Pony.” However, “Sesame Avenue” was worth every minute of my viewing time, and that’s the intention of quality children’s programming. Not all screen time is detrimental. My kids do watch their fair share of less educational content (looking at you, “Dragon Riders”), but they also enjoy enriching programs.
So please, hold off on the judgment.
The Prevalence of Judging Screen Time
When I mention that my kids often watch TV during lunch and frequently at dinner, you might be horrified. You may think I’m a terrible parent, contributing to the decline of modern society and damaging family life.
But then I’d explain that the only shows they watch are documentaries we carefully select, relating to their homeschool lessons, paleontology, or human evolution—two of their favorite science topics. So, while they munch on chicken nuggets, they might be watching a documentary on Denisovans, exploring how their DNA may have influenced certain human populations.
This is not just ordinary screen time. My kids know how to correctly pronounce “Neanderthals,” understand their historical range, can discuss various theories about their extinction, and describe their differences from modern humans. Why does it matter that they acquired this knowledge from a screen?
Screen Time Is the Future
My husband, a high school teacher, would agree: screen time is the future. If it feels impossible to pry your child away from their screens, remember they’re engaging with the same world they’ll navigate for years to come. Yes, my oldest reads physical books, but he also reads on his Kindle Fire. Is that screen time? What about when he reads a Star Wars novel or comic on it?
He also uses a tablet to research UFO sightings. In schools, students are learning through tablets—not just in virtual classrooms. They watch educational video lessons and take notes simultaneously. You’ve noticed how prevalent screens are in education, with many districts equipping each student with a laptop. They’re not just typing or researching; they’re also watching Shakespeare adaptations on YouTube and accessing books from Project Gutenberg.
The Value of Socializing Through Screens
Do you have friends who you only interact with online? So does my 11-year-old. He plays Dungeons and Dragons every Thursday night. Socializing through screens has become increasingly vital, especially during the pandemic.
Of course, some aspects can be harmful, and it’s easy to get lost in social media. We’re all aware of the dangers like cyberbullying and inappropriate content, making it tempting to restrict our kids’ online interactions.
However, using predictive text has helped my son with dysgraphia improve his writing skills. Facebook Messenger Kids has allowed him to stay connected during the pandemic, and a combination of Messenger Kids and Google Hangout sessions organized by moms has enabled him to play D&D with friends. All this screen time has been purposeful, helping him stay mentally healthy during a year with minimal social interaction beyond his younger siblings.
So, let’s ease up on the judgment regarding screen time. Yes, some parents may let their children mindlessly play video games without any educational benefit, but much of screen time serves a greater purpose. So don’t judge, okay? Even if my kids are currently watching “Amphibia,” they might be doing something else in an hour.
Summary
In conclusion, not all screen time is harmful; some programs can provide significant educational value and social interaction. It’s essential to recognize the difference and avoid blanket judgments about children’s screen time. Quality programming can contribute positively to a child’s learning and development, making screen time a valuable part of their education and socialization.
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