Case Study
Timmy is 9 years old. Today, he has spent 2 hours playing video games, and he plans on playing some more after dinner. How many more minutes of screen time is Timmy allowed today?
0 minutes
Condition associated with low activity levels, leading to weight gain
Obesity
Daytime, becomes less sleepy
The recommended screen time for 6+ year olds
120 minutes (2 hours)
Teresa spends no more than 2 hours off screen time a day. She puts all screens away before dinner and doesn't use them again until the next day. She watched educational videos and plays games where she can work as a team with her friends. Is Teresa responsibly using technology, yes or no?
Yes, Teresa is using her screen time responsibly.
A result of blue light impacting sleep
Irregular sleep
Screens should be put away ____ hours before bed
1-2 hours
Quality screen time examples
- Interactive games
- Supervised shows/apps/games
- Educational videos
- Critical thinking games
Suzie is a 5th grader and she has already used up all her screen time minutes today, so her mom won't let her watch a movie at her friend's house tonight. What could Suzie do with her friend instead of watching a movie?
- Draw
- Play outside
- Make a fort
- Make friendship bracelets
Reduced time spent learning and doing homework
Poor performance in school
These glasses can help block blue light from overstimulating the brain
Blue light glasses
Form of long-distance communication learned about that doesn't involve technology
Pen Pal
Jonathan always is allowed 30 minutes of screen time right before bed. He usually will play video games, watch Youtube, or read a book on a reading app. Jonathan has been having a hard time falling asleep, and wakes up often throughout the night. What could Jonathan do to get better sleep?
Wear blue light glasses when looking at a screen right before bed.
Put all screens away 1-2 hours before going to bed.
More time spent on screens takes away from
Time spent playing
Blue light affects the production of ________ in the brain
Melatonin
Activities that don't involve screens
- Drawing
- Reading a book
- Playing with friends/family/pets
- Sports
- Playing outside
Henry and Eli both want to play Roblox with each other. They have been playing with each other for an hour and a half already. Is it okay if they go over the 2 hour recommended time limit if they are engaging in a critical thinking problem solving activity?
Yes, it could be okay, especially if it is their only way to stay in contact with each other. They are challenging themselves too, which is good for brain development.