Internet Parenting, Parental Controls, & Online Safety Blog - WebCurfew

Digital Loitering Blog

Parents Out of Control: Don't Know How to Limit Their Kids' Screen Time

Posted on 7/8/2014 by Rod da Silva in Digital Loitering Parental Controls WebCurfew WebAccess WebSafeguards WebTimers WebReports
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A recent study by Iowa State University (ISU), and published in JAMA Pediatrics, found that children behave better, do better in school, get more sleep, and see other health benefits when parents limit content and the amount of time they spend on the computer, in front of the TV, or other connected devices.

At WebCurfew we believe that it is important for parents to limit screen time especially in the summer when school is out and children have a plethora of outdoor activities available. Too much time on the computer or playing video games can take away from kids’ ability to participate in other activities and can have long-term negative effects on children’s social habits.  

The ISU study, led by Dr. Douglas Gentile, analyzed the media habits of more than 1,300 school children over a seven-month period. Students and parents were surveyed about everything from screen time limits, to violent media exposure, to bedtimes and behavior. Teachers reported grades and commented on student behavior and school nurses measured each student’s height and weight. At the end of the study period, children whose parents set more limits on the amount and content of media were now getting more sleep, had lower weight gain (lowering their risk of obesity), were getting better grades in school, exhibited more helpful and cooperative pro-social behaviors in school, and were less aggressive with their peers (as seen by the classroom teachers).

For a full overview of the ISU study, go here.