AAP conference highlights new pediatric screen time guidelines
At the American Academy of Pediatrics' 2024 National Conference, experts unveiled updated recommendations on limiting screen time for children under five. The guidelines aim to curb potential developmental risks amid rising digital exposure. Pediatricians emphasized practical strategies for parents during the presentation.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2024 National Conference, held in Orlando, Florida, from September 13 to 16, featured a key session on digital media's impact on young children. On September 15, Dr. Sarah Thompson, a pediatrician from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, presented the new guidelines, which build on 2016 recommendations but incorporate recent research on brain development.
The updated policy advises no screen time for children under 18 months, except for video chatting, and limits recreational screen use to one hour per day for ages 2-5, with high-quality programming and co-viewing by adults. 'We're seeing more evidence that excessive early screen exposure can affect language skills and attention spans,' Dr. Thompson stated during the session. The guidelines also stress creating media-free zones, like mealtimes and bedrooms, to promote better sleep and family interactions.
Background context reveals a surge in device use among toddlers, with a 2023 AAP survey indicating that 70% of children under two engage with screens daily, up from 50% in 2011. This presentation responds to such trends, drawing from longitudinal studies involving over 1,000 families. Experts noted that while educational apps can be beneficial, passive viewing poses risks.
Balanced perspectives emerged in the Q&A, where some attendees, including Dr. Michael Lee from the University of California, advocated for flexibility in diverse households. 'Not all families have the same access to alternatives; we need inclusive approaches,' he remarked. The AAP plans to disseminate these guidelines via toolkits for clinicians and parents, with implementation expected by early 2025.
Implications include potential shifts in pediatric checkups, where doctors may routinely screen for media habits. Conference organizers reported strong attendance, with over 8,000 professionals engaging in related workshops.