The American Academy of Pediatrics on Friday announced updated recommendations for parents hoping to shield their children from the worst effects of new technologies.
The group released its recommendations, co-authored by two Seattle experts, after reviewing the latest scientific evidence on children and digital media use. Among other suggestions, the AAP said toddlers should be limited to using screens only while video-chatting.
The organization has traditionally recommended toddlers stay away from using screens at all until they become 2 years old. The guideline was first set out in 1999, according to NPR.
In a policy statement, AAP cautiously agreed and cited emerging evidence that young children can learn some words while video-chatting "with a responsive adult."
Studies indicate that despite the 1999 recommendation, most families operate under the assumption that applications like Skype and FaceTime “don't count.”
The organization warned, however, that scientific evidence shows there is still harm caused by “excessive digital media use.”
"What's most important is that parents be their child's 'media mentor,'” Dr. Jenny Radesky, lead author of the policy statement, said in a news release. “That means teaching them how to use it as a tool to create, connect and learn."
To support the recommendations, the group also launched an online digital media use planning tool on its website.