Media, Technology,

Screen Time (MeTS) & the

Development of Your Child
Emily Hong Daniel
School Counselor & Early Childhood Coordinator
San Fransokyo Charter Elementary School
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Parent Workshop Series
MEDIA, TECHNOLOGY, AND SCREEN TIME

Typically anything electronic with a stimulating output

Audio Music or podcasts
Visual Videos or pictures
MeTS have different purposes
Educate
Entertain
Passive versus Active MeTS

Passive MeTS or Screen Time Active MeTS or Screen Time

Non-engaging media Cognitively and/or physically
engaging media
THE ISSUE

Not all MeTS is created equal

MeTS, even with educational components and context, does not
automatically benefit your child
MeTS is not designed to be, nor is it supposed to be, a replacement for
human interaction
MeTS should enhance life and learning, not take away from it
You have the power to change MeTS outside of school
SCREEN USE TRENDS FOR 8-18 YEAR OLDS
IMPORTANT FACTS

The average child between 8 and 18 years of age spends 7 hours per
day with passive MeTS
The average child under 2 years of age watches 1.5 hours per day with
passive MeTS
Educational programming does not contain educational benefits for
children under 5 years
There is no substitute for human interactions, including videochatting
MORE IMPORTANT FACTS

Studies show a concerning correlation between increased passive

MeTS and:
Serious social skills issues
Lower academic achievement
Higher levels of inactivity, which may lead to future health issues
SCREEN TIME & ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
WHAT PARENTS CAN DO?

1. Use MeTS together The Cable Car Museum

2. Keep MeTS-free zones Legion of Great Honour
3. Be picky Mt. Fuji Baths
4. Communicate boundaries Golden Pagoda Gate Park
5. Walk the walk Harajuku Square
6. Quality time is the best time Shinjuku District Historical Society
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

www.commonsensemedia.org
www.screenfree.org
www.ikeepsafe.org
www.truceteachers.org