Blog

Setting Healthy Screen Time Limits for Your Preschooler

---

---

In today's digital world, screens are everywhere. Tablets, smartphones, and TVs can be a source of entertainment and learning for young children, but it's crucial to find a healthy balance. At Veda Preschool, we prioritise a digital and toxin-free environment, fostering a love for learning through play and exploration. But how can you navigate screen time for your preschooler at home?

The Screen Time Dilemma:

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends limiting screen time for children under 18 months and no more than one hour per day for 2-5 year olds. This includes TV shows, movies, and educational apps. While some educational content can offer learning benefits, excessive screen time can negatively impact a child's development.

Why We Emphasise Limits at Veda:

Here at Veda, we believe in the power of hands-on learning. Excessive screen time can hinder:

• Imaginative Play: Unstructured playtime allows children to explore their creativity, solve problems, and develop social skills. Screens often provide a predetermined narrative, limiting imaginative thinking.
• Physical Activity: Preschoolers need plenty of movement for healthy development. Excessive screen time can lead to a more sedentary lifestyle.
• Social Interaction: Learning to interact with others is essential for preschoolers. Screens can replace valuable face-to-face communication and social development opportunities.

Striking the Right Balance:

Here are some tips for managing screen time at home:

• Set Clear Limits: Establish clear daily screen time limits and stick to them.
• Focus on Quality Content: Choose age-appropriate educational shows or apps that encourage learning and interaction.
• Offer Alternatives: Provide a variety of engaging, screen-free activities like building with blocks, reading stories, playing pretend, or exploring outdoors.

Beyond the Screen: A World of Learning at Veda

At Veda, we provide a stimulating environment filled with interactive activities, imaginative play areas, and opportunities for exploration. Our curriculum emphasises hands-on learning, social interaction, and physical activity, all crucial for a child's development.

While technology can be a useful tool, it shouldn't replace the importance of play and exploration. By setting healthy screen time limits and providing engaging alternatives, you can help your preschooler thrive and develop a love for learning that extends far beyond the screen.