Recently, my seven-year-old was engrossed in the new “Adventure Pals” movie. He excitedly mentioned how many volcanoes were in the Pacific Ocean. “Yes,” I replied, “That’s known as ‘The Ring of Fire.’” He responded with, “I know! The Ring of Fire encircles the whole Pacific Ocean. Some volcanoes are small, and some are huge.” He returned to his movie, but I couldn’t help but notice he learned something valuable from it. Complain about screen time all you want, but it varies greatly in quality.
If you disagree, you probably never experienced the magic of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” or “Blue’s Clues” during your childhood.
I use Duolingo to brush up on my Spanish, and when I reach the numbers section, I still hum the counting song from “Mister Rogers’” to recall seis and siete (my mind often confuses them). “Mister Rogers’” taught me foundational Spanish, environmental awareness (we produce too much waste), and even lessons about loss (we mourn for you, Mr. Rogers). Yes, my parents let me watch “David the Gnome,” “The Smurfs,” and “Care Bears,” but shows like “Mister Rogers’” were genuinely educational and beneficial. With the rise of high-quality children’s programming, it’s time to stop dismissing all screen time as harmful. Not everything is like “Caillou.” My kids may indulge in some less-than-stellar shows (looking at you, “Dragon Riders”), but they also enjoy plenty of enriching content.
So, please, hold off on judging me. My home is filled with “Magic School Bus.” Ms. Frizzle is known for her entertaining and educational adventures. Sure, my kids may also watch fun shows like “Amphibia” or “Gravity Falls,” but we also have “Odd Squad” and “Dino Dan” keeping the balance.
The Judgment on Screen Time
When I mention that my kids often watch shows during lunch and sometimes dinner, many people might be horrified. You might think I’m a bad parent, contributing to the decline of family values. But when I clarify that they only watch documentaries tailored to their homeschooling lessons—like paleontology or human evolution—your opinion might shift. Picture this: my kids munching on chicken nuggets while absorbing a documentary about Denisovans and their genetic contributions to modern humans. Does it really matter that this knowledge comes from a screen?
Embracing the Digital Future
If you speak to my husband, a high school teacher, you’ll hear that screens are the future. If you’re struggling to pry your child away from their devices, remember that they are merely engaging with the world they will navigate as adults. My eldest enjoys physical books, but he also reads on his Kindle Fire. Is that considered screen time? Whether it’s a Star Wars novel or comic, both are read on a screen. He uses his tablet to research UFO sightings, too.
In schools today, students learn through various devices. They not only write papers but also watch educational videos, read from online libraries like Project Gutenberg, and interact with peers.
Social Connections Matter, Too
Many of us have friends we only know from the internet, and my 11-year-old is no exception. He plays Dungeons and Dragons online with friends. Especially during the pandemic, screen-based socializing has been crucial. Sure, it can become overwhelming and there are risks—cyberbullying and inappropriate content are real concerns. However, using apps like Messenger Kids has supported my dysgraphic son in improving his writing. Thanks to video calls, he has maintained friendships throughout a year of limited social interaction. This screen time has been anything but wasted—it has been vital for his well-being.
So let’s ease up on the judgment regarding screen time. Yes, some parents let their children play video games mindlessly during the pandemic, but much of the screen time can be productive and beneficial. So next time you see my kids watching “Amphibia,” remember: they’ll be learning soon, too.
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Search Queries:
- Benefits of Screen Time for Kids
- Educational Shows for Children
- How to Balance Screen Time
- Homeschooling Resources Online
- Best Documentaries for Kids
In summary, not all screen time should be viewed through a negative lens. Quality educational content and social interactions can foster learning and connection. Let’s embrace the positive aspects of screens in our children’s lives.
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