
Amanda Rumsey, an associate professor at Clemson University, recommends three simple rules for managing children’s screen use as they return to school. Parents should protect sleep by keeping devices away from bedrooms…
Amanda Rumsey, an associate professor at Clemson University, recommends three simple rules for managing children’s screen use as they return to school. Parents should protect sleep by keeping devices away from bedrooms at bedtime, set a daily screen-free period for family connection, and make room for offline activities, including outdoor play, reading, music and sport.
Rumsey says screens are not inherently harmful, but unmanaged use can displace sleep, relationships and healthy development. She also argues that unstructured boredom can help children develop creativity, interests and resilience. Her advice is to establish routines rather than ban devices altogether.
The claim that every minute of screen use damages children is as unhelpful as the idea that devices are harmless babysitters. Rumsey’s advice puts the focus where it belongs: on what screens replace and whether family rules are practical. Parents also need to account for schoolwork, age and a child’s needs. A useful test is simple: are devices cutting into sleep, meals, conversation or play? If so, the routine needs changing.
Source: timesnownews.com
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