With screen time once again in the news, I thought that the following article might be of interest:

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Screen time… probably one of the most talked about topics when is comes to modern parenting. We can no longer ignore that screens are here to stay. Now, we, the first generation of digital parents, need to find better ways to manage and create positive screen time experiences for our kids.
Do you know what your kids are doing on their screens? Do you actively manage whether it is passive or creative use? Are you aware your approach to screen time has a direct impact on your kids’ screen time habits?

Let’s explore the difference between passive and creative (or active) screen time.

 

ACTIVE vs PASSIVE Screen time

Many kids are growing up as digital consumers. They don’t understand how the technology works and they absorb an enormous amount of digital content on a daily basis. There is a big difference between passively consuming digital content and using screens in a constructive manner.

Passive screen time may include activities like this:

  • Browsing social media sites
  • Watching Youtube videos
  • Browsing the internet
  • Watching on-demand shows / TV
  • Playing games

In moderation, none of the above mentioned activities are bad. It becomes a problem when kids are allowed unmonitored consumption.

Creative (or active) screen time may include activities like this:

  • Learning a new skill
  • Coding a game, website, animation, app, etc.
  • Making digital music
  • Playing games
  • Digital photography and editing images
  • Creating Youtube videos
  • Making an animation movie

CONTINUE READING ==> The full and original post can be found here

Source: 
Blum-Ross, A. and S. Livingstone (2016) Families and screen time: Current advice and emerging research. Media Policy Brief 17. London: Media Policy Project, London School of Economics and Political Science.