Technology, whether in the form of phones, TVs, or murderous robots, isn’t going anywhere. Every year, it plays a bigger and bigger role in the way kids grow up in. Screens are present in kids’ lives from the moment they’re born, whether it’s through a relative taking photos for social media or a parent handing over their iPad. And, yes, screen time is both a potential hazard and a relatively new phenomenon, which makes it arguably more hazardous. Is screen time appropriate for babies? Is there a recommended screen time? Are parents who limit screen time being overly cautious? These are legitimate questions. There are clear answers to some (don’t give babies your phone), but not all.
That’s why Fatherly looked up from our phones and built this guide to kids and their relationship with devices in the modern world. We talked to technology experts, behavioral scientists, and regular parents to dispel common myths about screen time, learn how devices affect childhood development, and play a little Candy Crush.