Celebrate Screen-Free Week!* — http://www.screenfree.org
On May 2-8, children, families, and communities around the world will rediscover the joys of life beyond the screen. Unplug from digital entertainment and spend your free time playing, reading, daydreaming, creating, exploring, and connecting with family and friends.
*except for work and school assignments
Here is a list compiling documents regarding Screen Free Week. Feel free to use the list and pass it around.
From the Canadian Paediatric Society:
"Healthy active living: Physical activity guidelines for children and adolescents” (http://www.cps.ca/documents/position/physical-activity-guidelines), including recommendations for screen-time:
- For children under 2 years old, screen time (eg, TV, computer, electronic games) is not recommended.
- For children 2-4 years old, screen time should be limited to less than 1 hour per day.
- Less screen time is always better.
“Screen Time at Home” — http://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/limiting_screen_time_at_home
“Social Media” — http://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/social_media
“Facing the Screen Dilemma” guide (http://www.commercialfreechildhood.org/sites/default/files/facingthescreendilemma.pdf), written by American teachers and educators using the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Public Health Association, and the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education for screen time in early education settings:
- For children two years and older in early care and early education settings, total media time should be limited to not more than 30 minutes once a week, and for educational or physical activity use only.
- During meal or snack time, TV, video, or DVD viewing should not be allowed.
- Computer use should be limited to no more than 15-minute increments except for homework and for children who require and consistently use assistive and adaptive computer technology.
- Parents/guardians should be informed if screen media are used in the early care and education program.
- Any screen media used should be free of advertising and brand placement. TV programs, DVD, and computer games should be reviewed and evaluated before participation of the children to ensure that advertising and brand placement are not present.