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Here’s the latest advice from pediatricians for managing your kids’ screen time

An 8-year-old plays Pokemon Go in Mission Viejo. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to limit kids' time with digital devices and TV.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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The American Academy of Pediatrics released new guidelines Friday to help parents manage their kids’ screen time. Here is some of their advice:

  • Children under the age of 2 should avoid all digital media use except for video chatting via apps like Skype and Facetime.
  • If you must introduce digital media to toddlers between the ages of 18 and 24 months, choose high-quality programming and sit with your child. Solo viewing should be avoided.
  • Children ages 2 to 5 years should have no more than one hour of screen use a day. Be sure to select high-quality programming and watch it with your children.
  • Keep bedrooms, mealtimes and parent-child playtime free of screens. (Parents, that goes for you too: Set your phone on “Do not disturb.”)
  • If you have children between the ages of 5 and 18, place consistent limits on their hours per day of media use, as well as the types of media they use.
  • Discourage the use of entertainment media while doing homework.
  • Children of all ages should avoid exposure to devices and screens for one hour before bedtime.
  • Keep smartphones, TVs and other devices out of the bedroom.
  • Communicate the family’s media guidelines to grandparents, babysitters and other caregivers so screen rules are followed consistently.
  • Have an ongoing conversation with older children about online citizenship and safety. This includes treating people with respect online; saying no to cyberbullying and sexting; and avoiding communications that can compromise personal privacy and safety.
  • To help your family develop a plan that is right for you, visit www.HealthyChildren.org/MediaUseplan.

If I let my kid play Pokemon Go, does it make me a bad parent? »

deborah.netburn@latimes.com

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