Managing children's screen time while virtual learning

APPLETON, Wis. (NBC 26) -- It can always be a challenge to manage one's screen time, but it can be even more difficult during a pandemic where adults and children both are increasing their screen time due to working from home and virtual learning.

Dr. Kevin Hayes, with ThedaCare Physicians Pediatrics-Appleton, says monitoring screen time is key.
"We want to try and limit the screen time that is not as productive so a lot video games and mindless TV, Youtube videos you need to limit," said Dr. Hayes.

There are several ways to help with monitoring a child's online activity and Dr. Hayes says it can be as simple as planning out time for outdoors or setting limits on screen time.

Dr. Hayes says it's also important to know the limits and recommendations for screen time use based on your child's age. He says, ideally children two and under would have little to no screen time, while ages two to four can have about an hour. He adds that ages over five-years-old can go up to about two hours of screen time, but it's also encouraged to focus on the quality of that screen time.

Dr. Hayes adds it's important for parents to make an effort to be more aware of their own screen time to help encourage children by leading by example.