When it comes to children younger than 18 months, screen time is a general no-no – except for video interactions with grandparents, other family members or friends, which are considered meaningful.

This is according to the American Academy of Paediatrics. Their advice is echoed by digital parenting expert and co-founder of Klikd, Sarah Hoffman, who calls for caution when it comes exposing babies and toddlers to TVs, smartphones and tablets.

“Cartoons and apps are developed to create sensory overload in a child. Excessive screen time has been shown to be associated with subsequent attention problems, as well as decreased concentration and memory.” 

She notes that 0–2 are critical ages for brain development, which is determined by environmental stimuli – or the lack thereof. “Overexposure to screens has been show to be associated with attention-deficit disorders, cognitive delays, impaired learning, increased impulsivity, and decreased ability to self-regulate.”

Helpful tips to minimise screen time

1. Plan in advance: 

The more alternative activities you have on hand, the less likely you are to reach for a screen. 

2. It’s good to be bored:

Research has shown the enormous cognitive benefits that arise from allowing  children to experience boredom and subsequently learn to entertain themselves. 

3. Model good phone behaviour

Set boundaries at home, such as phone-free zones in the bedroom and at meal times, and device-free playtime.

4. Turn off the blue light

Consider using a blue light filter or an app that syncs a screen’s glow with the sun’s daily patterns. 

Children’s TV expert and child development specialist Jerrica Sannes (raisewildflowers.com) says it is important to remember that the overall goal when creating children’s TV shows usually isn’t to better society. “It’s to make money. The longer they [kids] watch, the more money they make.” 

She says that overstimulating and interactive shows are the worst for causing addiction. Sannes is also wary of mobile and tablet games, electronic ‘learning’ toys and other video games, especially during early childhood. 

What makes a show overstimulating?

• Saturated primary colours
• Scenes that are less than four seconds long
• Mesmerising animation, such as floating and twirling objects
• Moving camera angles
• Flashing letters
• High-contrast backgrounds
• Interactive elements
• Multiple sounds playing at once.

“Similar to substance abuse, the brain may build up a tolerance to stimuli, meaning the brain will begin to crave increased stimulation, aiding addiction to overstimulating children’s show,” she says. 

Possible symptoms of screen-time addiction

• Frequent meltdowns and inability to regulate moods
• Difficulty sleeping
• Whiny and clingy behaviour
• Hyperactivity
• Trouble making eye contact
• Inability to play independently
• Behavioural issues at school
• Trouble socialising
• Lack of creativity
• Zero impulse control. 

Preferable options for screen time

• Slow-paced and non-interactive
• Muted colour tones
• No more than one to two sounds at a time
• Natural backgrounds
• Realistic movements
• No mesmerising animation
• Quality storylines
• Natural conversation
• Rich vocabulary
• Modelling of social and emotional skills.

Shows from Sannes’ A and B lists (the good ones!), available in South Africa

• Guess How Much I Love You
• The Snail and The Whale
• Zog
• The Highway Rat
• The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child
• Stick Man
• The Snowy Day
• Trash Truck
• Angela’s Christmas
• Llama Llama
• Puffin Rock
• Little Bear
• Bug Diaries
• Bluey

Alternatively, check out Commonsensemedia.org, a tool for recommending age-appropriate shows.