Al-Amn Magazine

CREATIVITY M ost parents realize too much screen time can hinder cognitive and physical development, but did you know there are benefits to screen time for kids as well? Research has found that certain games, apps, and programs can boost kids› brain power and positively impact their social and emotional well-being. “When used strategically, screen time can develop cognitive and social skills in most kids,» says Julianna Miner, mom of three and author of Raising a Screen- Smart Kid: Embrace the Good and Avoid the Bad in the Digital Age. “If you think about screen time the way you think about nutrition, there›s like digital broccoli and digital ice cream.» E-books and math apps might be broccoli, whereas scrolling videos might be ice cream—a treat. Below are five benefits of screen time, plus examples of both educational and social media that can help rather than harm kids› development. Monitor your child›s activity Always vet what apps and games your kids are using. Most phones, tablets, and computers have parental control settings that require any users under your wireless or Internet plan to ask for permission before downloading a program. Improves socialization  While it may seem counterintuitive, screen time can improve your child›s social and emotional well-being. According to the advocacy group Internet Matters, «technology takes away physical barriers to social connections—which is important for children who find it hard to make friends or have special interests or special needs.» These platforms can help foster socialization: Video chat: Apps like FaceTime, Zoom, and Google Meet can be used for both conversations and play. When logistical complications don›t allow for in-person playdates, kids can host tea parties, share silly stories, play guessing games, and more online. Teamwork-inspired video games: «Gaming can be a really meaningful social outlet,» says Miner. «[Children are] connecting with friends and community and interacting in many of the same ways they would in person. But they›re doing it like living room to living room, as opposed to in the backyard or at the park.» Not a l l screen t ime i s bad Benefit s of ki ds wi t h e l ect roni c dev i ces