Latest news with #screen time
CBC
a day ago
- Entertainment
- CBC
Study aims to examine effects screen time on young Islanders
The P.E.I. government has partnered with Laval University to conduct a study into the impacts of screen time on youth in the province. CBC News: Compass host Louise Martin sat down with Youssef Allami, the lead researcher on the project, about what they might expect to find.
Times of Oman
2 days ago
- Health
- Times of Oman
Health alert: Children at risk of ‘electronic addiction'
Muscat: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has issued a public advisory warning parents against the overuse of electronic devices by children during the summer vacation, citing the growing risk of what it terms 'electronic addiction' — a condition that can severely impact a child's emotional, mental, and social development. As families settle into the school break, the Ministry is calling on parents to be vigilant and proactive, emphasising that excessive screen time can lead to long-term behavioural and psychological issues. 'Devices were not created to raise our children,' the Ministry said in its statement. 'A child does not need a screen to light up his world, but rather an eye that loves him, a voice that answers him, and a heart that pays attention to him. Do not buy him false comfort at the price of a true childhood.' According to the advisory, signs of potential electronic addiction in children include noticeable mood changes, excessive use of devices such as smartphones, tablets, or gaming consoles, and an inability to control or limit time spent on screens. Children may also begin to withdraw from social interactions, neglect school responsibilities or household tasks, and display anxiety, anger, or agitation when access to devices is restricted. Other symptoms include compulsively checking notifications or messages, losing interest in activities not involving the internet, experiencing sleep disturbances, and showing signs of constant stress or depression. Health professionals warn that while digital devices have become a part of daily life — particularly for learning and entertainment — unregulated and unsupervised use can be harmful. The Ministry is urging parents to create a balanced environment by setting clear screen-time limits, encouraging outdoor play and family interaction, promoting hobbies and creative activities, and ensuring there are device-free zones and times at home. The MOH campaign comes at a time when many children spend prolonged hours indoors due to the summer heat, increasing the temptation to stay glued to screens. Officials stress that while technology can be a useful tool, it should never substitute real human connection, physical activity, or the nurturing presence of caregivers. The advisory is part of a wider initiative to promote mental well-being and support healthier family dynamics in an increasingly digital world. Parents are encouraged to lead by example in how they manage their own screen time and to prioritise quality time that strengthens bonds and reinforces positive habits. As Oman continues its focus on preventive health and child development, the Ministry's message is clear: the cost of convenience should never come at the expense of a child's childhood.
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
10 Calming Kids Shows for When the Little Ones Are, Um, Overstimulated
Tech has taken over and Gen Alpha is engaging with screens (and social media) more than ever before. The negative effects of unmitigated screen time are well-documented and there's a lot of content out there that feels like, well, a total assault on the senses—but that doesn't mean your kid can't enjoy some quality TV time. Instead, opt for one of these calming kids shows that promote social-emotional learning whilst keeping overstimulation at bay. Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D, is a NYC-based neuropsychologist. She is also the founder and director of Comprehend the Mind. Hafeez received her doctorate from Hofstra University and went on to train as a neuropsychologist. Hafeez provides neuropsychological educational and developmental evaluations in her practice and also works with children and adults who suffer from PTSD, learning disabilities, autism, attention and memory problems, trauma and brain injury and abuse. Hafeez is an expert in childhood development and psychopathology. Sometimes you don't know what's going to overstimulate your kid until the damage is already done, which is why I went to an expert for some advice on how to set yourself up for success when sifting through the chaos in search of calm. Per Dr. Hafeez, 'When choosing a calming TV show for kids, look for shows that move at a slow pace [with] soft music and gentle sounds to help kids stay relaxed instead of feeling wound up.' The expert also recommends sticking to 'simple stories that make it easy for children to understand what's happening.' There are other factors to consider along with narrative quality and auditory stimulation—namely, the visual component. 'Avoid shows with bright flashes or fast changes from one scene to another, which can be too much for young viewers, and opt for warm colors and gentle animation styles that add a cozy feeling,' says Dr. Hafeez. Finally, it's important to keep in mind that messaging matters, too. If you turn on a show and there's a lot of arguing or snarky dialogue, it's probably not going to fit the calming profile. (You know, 'cause interpersonal conflict is, well, stressful.) Instead, look for content that makes kids feel safe with positive messages encouraging kindness, patience and empathy. Episode Run Time: 20 minutes Educational Value: positive messages about friendship and family 'This one is truly an enjoyable watch for kids and parents, not least because of Chris O'Dowd's soothing narration,' says PureWow's Executive Editor, Alexia Dellner. It's also at the very top of my list of calming shows for kids. My two children used to watch Puffin Rock exclusively when I first introduced screen time and this show about a family of puffins and their island friends is still a favorite for moments when we want to unwind with something quiet, slow-paced and sweet. watch on netflix Episode Run Time: 10 to 15 minutes Educational Value: social-emotional lessons about empathy, positive messages about friendship There's lots of social-emotional learning in this sweet and wholesome show about a six-year-old boy and his best friend, an anthropomorphized trash truck. I love this show because the gentle narratives of each episode emphasize the importance of empathy. Plus, the animation style is artistic and the pacing is calm, so you don't have to worry about overstimulation when you watch. watch on netflix Episode Run Time: 25 minutes Educational Value: teaches learning through play, introduces STEM concepts, positive messages about friendship Whimsical, artsy and full of creativity—my kids and I both find that the gentle dream-like pace, soft sounds and fantastical storylines of this show stir the imagination while soothing the senses. In each episode, the charming characters engage in imaginative play that reliably leads to an exciting discovery, typically one that relates to a simple science principle. In other words, Tumble Leaf is a calming show for kids that checks all the boxes. watch on prime video Episode Run Time: <10 minutes Educational Value: social emotional learning, positive messages about family I'm a huge fan of Bluey and my kids, ages 8 and 10, still get a kick out of the whacky antics of this beloved dog family and the heartwarming dynamic they share. The humor in the show is so spot-on that kids and parents alike will find it highly relatable, and the entire Bluey crew has charm in spades. Best of all, the inventive and very clever storylines are chock full of social emotional learning, but it's done in a way that doesn't feel patronizing or heavy-handed. (Psst: If you want to read more about why Bluey truly rocks, you can do so here.) watch on disney+ Episode Run Time: 25 minutes Educational Value: social emotional learning, positive messages about family and friendship I adore this exceedingly gentle and quiet show based on Else Holmelund's book series about a bear family and their forest friends. The illustrations, which are done by Maurice Sendak, are beautiful and the wholesome storylines are full of whimsy and nostalgia. I recommend watching this one with your children right before bedtime for a feel-good family moment that will make everyone want to snuggle up and settle down. watch on Paramount+ Episode Run Time: 28 minutes Educational Value: encourages curiosity, kindness and emotional regulation 'Fred Rogers' gentle voice and kind spirit are a balm for toddlers and parents alike,' writes Executive Editor Dara Katz, adding that 'the series explores themes of kindness, emotional regulation and curiosity about the world around us without ever talking down to its viewers.' Indeed, Mister Rogers was the king of calm and the quality programming he produced has stood the test of time. Bottom line: take a trip to the Land-of-Make-Believe with this oldie-but-goodie and you won't regret it. watch on pbs kids Episode Run Time: 28 minutes Educational Value: promotes literacy, imagination and storytelling If you're not familiar with this show, it's hosted by LeVar Burton, who engages viewers with creative storytelling and interviews with authors before leaving them with several great book recommendations to explore. I grew up watching Reading Rainbow, so when I introduced it to my kids, I was fairly certain it would be too dated for them to enjoy. It turns out, I was wrong. Both my children frequently request this show—particularly when they are sick, sleepy or generally seeking calm—and it actually keeps them engaged with educational content that encourages literacy and inspires a love of reading. Katz agrees, writing that 'it's a perfect way to inspire your [child's] love for stories, and the theme song alone will be a lovely time capsule for you.' watch on prime video Episode Run Time: 11 minutes Educational Value: encourages curiosity and discovery, positive messages about friendship and family Here, a calming kids show based on the classic children's book by the same name. In each episode, Little Nut Brown Hare follows his curiosity wherever it leads him, with his forest friends by his side, before concluding his adventures with a loving reunion with his father. It's an endearing and heartfelt show for preschoolers that encourages independent thinking and friendship building whilst reinforcing those comforting feelings of safety and love in the home. watch on Prime video Episode Run Time: 25 minutes Educational Value: promotes imagination and appreciation of music and art Before naps went out the window, Classical Baby was our go-to naptime show and we still revisit it on sick days when something extra soothing is in order. Not only that, but many of the beautiful songs featured in this calming kids show are permanent fixtures on our bedtime playlist to this day. The best part of this entirely instrumental show is that the music comes from cultures all over the world and is beautifully paired with mesmerizing artwork. Trust me when I say, your kids won't miss the talking characters and structured storylines of other shows once this series sweeps them away. watch on max Episode Run Time: 12 minutes Educational Value: promotes imagination, harmonious relationships between siblings, social emotional learning Maybe it's the delightful dynamic between big sis and little bro, but my kids are very fond of this charming show about two siblings, the adventures they share and the support they provide one another. It's also worth noting that adults are entirely absent, as each episode is told from a child's perspective, so the wholesome storylines really encourage imagination, healthy independence and harmony between siblings. watch on Prime video The 10 Best TV Shows for 7-Year-Olds
Forbes
24-06-2025
- General
- Forbes
American Teens' 4.8 Hours Per Day On Social Media Is Addictive, Destructive
BATH, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 25: In this photo illustration a a 12-year-old school boy looks at a ... More iPhone screen A 12-year-old boy looks at an iPhone screen showing various social media apps including TikTok, Facebook and X on February 25, 2024 in Bath, England. This week the UK government issued new guidance backing headteachers in prohibiting the use of mobile phones throughout the school day, including at break times. Many schools around the country are already prohibiting mobile phone use over concerns. The amount of time children spend on screens each day rocketed during the Covid pandemic by more than 50 per cent, the equivalent of an extra hour and twenty minutes. Researchers say that unmoderated screen time can have long-lasting effects on a child's mental and physical health. Recently TikTok announced that every account belonging to a user below age 18 have a 60-minute daily screen time limit automatically set. (Photo by) It's staggering. American teens spend 30% of their waking lives – 4.8 hours per day – on social media platforms (assuming they sleep eight hours and that they spend 16 hours doing … stuff). This is based on data compiled by Gallup in 2023, the most recent data available. What's so social about social media? In a study published in JAMA, it was reported that this led to addictive behavior and, in the extreme, suicidal thoughts or even attempts. We could add a few behavior categories easily enough: sociopathic, psychopathic, obsessive, compulsive, and impulsive, to name a few. It is striking that none of these approaches social behavior like affiliative, interpersonal, or supportive. U.S. daily averages (poll of polls) show universal usage across platforms, including 59 minutes on TikTok, 59 minutes on YouTube, 39 minutes on Facebook, 30 minutes on Snapchat, 32 minutes on X, 33 minutes on WhatsAp, and 33 minutes on Instagram. What's going on here? In 2013, I wrote a commentary piece called 'Obsession with Technology.' In it I cited G. K. Chesterton (1874-1936), the inimitable English writer, philosopher, poet, and journalist, who observed, 'We are perishing for lack of wonder, not for lack of wonders.' One of the few characteristics human beings can claim as distinctly ours – separating us from all other species – is our capacity to wonder. We don't even have exclusivity in creating wonders, as certain species not only use tools but make them, proving the capacity to invent. But to wonder? Yes. Why, then, do so many of us disengage from the process of wondering? That doesn't mean flipping over dazzling new technologies, but wondering at simple things: an idea, a melody, a theory, an opportunity, synergy, or fantasy. The short answer is today's obsession with technology. The long answer requires us to follow that stream of thought. So, let's be crystal clear. What is an obsession? It is a compulsive preoccupation with a fixed idea. Next question: what do we mean by preoccupation? To preoccupy is to dominate or engross the mind to the exclusion of other thoughts. Repeat: the exclusion of other thoughts. Doesn't that put the 4.8 hours per day into perspective? It may also go a long way in explaining why, in recent surveys, 54% of American teens replied that they'd like to have a career as an influencer. Just sayin'.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Yahoo
Every Parent Should Know These 3 iPhone and iPad Parental Controls
As a parent of three young kids with limited screen time, the prospect of handing them their very own iPad or iPhone sends me into an anxiety-induced spiral. The prospect of having to micromanage screen time (and the overstimulated meltdowns that follow), plus trying to protect them on social media and against all the other horrors lurking online, is enough to make me want to swear off screens altogether. But I'm also a realist and know I can't fend off screens forever. In fact, their peak device years are just ahead. So when that time comes, I want to be prepared with all the tools. Fortunately, Apple already has a surprising number (at least to me) of guardrails and parental controls in place, with features like child accounts, screen time settings, and communication limits that help parents create safer digital environments. And there's more on the way. Apple's latest tools, rolling out to the iPhone and iPad with iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 respectively, help parents set age-appropriate content filters, monitor app use, limit communication, and even blur explicit images before they appear on-screen. Here's how to find them, set them up and feel more confident handing over that screen to your kids -- no matter what age they are. Setting up a child account is the key that unlocks all these great parental control features so if you haven't already, make sure you do this first. Apple lets you create a dedicated child account for an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch, giving parents full control over settings remotely through their own device. If it's a shared iPhone or iPad, you'll need to choose between setting it up as an adult or child account -- unlike an Apple TV, there's no multi-user option. Starting in September, iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 will also let you convert an existing device into a child account without needing to reset it -- meaning you can keep whatever content that you already have on your Apple device. There are three ways to set up a child account on a new device: The first (and simplest) is using your own device. As soon as you bring the two devices close together, setup instructions should automatically appear on screen using Quick Start. If you're not using Quick Start, you can still set it up directly on the new device. Just choose Set Up Without Another Device and follow the on-screen instructions. If you're setting up a device for a child age 12 or younger, it must be linked to your adult account. You can also create a child account in advance, even without the child's device nearby. Go to Settings > [your name] > Family, then tap the Add User icon in the top right corner. Select Create Child Account and follow the prompts. When you create a child account, you'll be asked to select an age range: 12 or younger or 13–17. This automatically sets baseline filters for content and services but you can fine-tune things even more through the Screen Time settings on your own device. From here, you can manage what your child watches, how long they use their device and who they can communicate with (among many others). To access Screen Time controls, go to Settings > Family, tap on your child's name and select Screen Time. Once you're in, here's everything you can take charge of: Downtime: Schedule breaks from screen time. You can schedule specific times and days when your kid won't have access to certain apps (determine which ones in the Always Allowed section) or choose to block the devices entirely. They'll get a five minute heads up when downtime is coming. Always Allowed: Choose which apps and contacts your child can access and at what time. Screen Distance: Alerts your child when they're holding the device too close to their face to help protect their still maturing eyesight. Communication Limits: Sets detailed rules about who your child can contact and when. For example, you can allow calls from parents or emergency contacts during Downtime, even when everything else is blocked. Communication Safety: Detects nudity in photos before they're sent or received and alerts your child, offering a moment to pause and consider whether they want to view. This one's a no brainer and one you'll want to keep on at all times. It also suggests age-appropriate resources to inform the child without Apple ever seeing the content. Content & Privacy Restrictions: Micromanage purchases and downloads. You choose whether or not your kid can download and purchase apps, and then restrict in-app purchases for the ones they have access to, or block access to the App Store altogether. You can also disable features like AirDrop under Allowed Apps & Features. App Store, Media, Web & Games: Set age-based ratings restrictions for everything from TV shows and movies to games, books and apps (anything from G to NC-17, or the equivalent). You can even block music videos or restrict private messaging in games to prevent sneaky workarounds with unapproved contacts. Managing Screen Time: Receive an alert if your child enters the Screen Time passcode so if they've guessed it, you'll know. This is part of iOS 26 and will be available this fall. In the meantime you can still change the code remotely if you suspect they've cracked the code, without needing access to your child's device. Beyond that, you'll find options to manage which subscriptions your child can access, and whether they can send and receive Apple Cash, or remove the option entirely from the menu. Whether it's an iPhone, Apple Watch or even an iPad, one of the biggest benefits of giving your child their own device is being able to keep a watchful eye on their whereabouts (just make sure they know about it too). Not only can you check where they are, you can also set alerts to notify you when they've arrived at or left a specific location. You'll find the Location Sharing option under your child's profile in your Family account settings (it's the last option on the list). From here you can block your kid from changing their location settings, but to take full advantage of the feature, you'll want to jump into the Find My app. Once you open Find My, tap on your child's name to see their location. Next, swipe up to reveal the full menu, tap Add Notification > Notify Me. From here, you can choose to get alerts when your child arrives at or leaves a certain location like home, school or a friend's house. Tap New Location to enter an address manually or tap the screen to drop a pin on the map. You can choose whether to receive the alert just once or every time they come and go. Want to return the favor? Tap Notify [your kid's name], and follow the same steps. Your phone will automatically let your child know when you've arrived or left a designated location too. The exact settings may vary slightly depending on the age range you choose but the core controls remain the same. With iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, Apple is adding even more granular parental tools. The nudity filters will be expanded to FaceTime (and potentially third-party apps), you'll get alerts when your child enters a Screen Time passcode and you'll be able to revoke app permissions remotely even after your child has already started using the app. There are already enough things to worry about as a parent (especially with online risks), but hopefully, these features will help take at least one worry off your plate. Just remember that even the best tech tools aren't a substitute for in-person guidance from a parent or caregiver. When introducing screens to kids, make sure you're having age appropriate conversations about online safety and helping them build healthy screen time habits of their own.
