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Recently, my seven-year-old was absorbed in the latest “Octonauts” movie. He excitedly informed me about the numerous volcanoes in the Pacific Ocean. “Yes,” I replied, “that’s known as ‘The Ring of Fire.’” He nodded, adding, “The Ring of Fire goes all the way around the Pacific Ocean. Some volcanoes are small, while others are massive.” As he returned to the movie, I couldn’t help but realize he had learned something valuable from a cartoon. Criticize screen time all you want, but not all of it is bad.
If you doubt this, you must have missed the magic of “Sesame Street” during your childhood.
I personally use Duolingo to learn Spanish, and when I get to numbers, I can’t help but sing the “Sesame Street” counting song to remember seis and siete (I often mix them up). “Sesame Street” taught me basic Spanish vocabulary, environmental awareness (we have too much garbage), and even the concept of loss (RIP Mr. Hooper). It’s where I learned my numbers and letters too—no joke!
Sure, my parents let me watch a fair bit of “David the Gnome,” “The Smurfs,” and “My Little Pony,” but “Sesame Street” was definitely worth my time. With the rise of quality children’s programming, there’s no reason to categorize all screen time as harmful. Everything isn’t “Caillou.” My kids might watch a lot of fluff (looking at you, “Dragonriders”), but they also enjoy great content.
So, please, don’t judge me.
There’s plenty of “Magic School Bus” in my house. Everyone loves Ms. Frizzle, and it’s common knowledge that her show is both entertaining and educational. This isn’t my kids watching “Amphibia” or “Gravity Falls,” fun as those may be. They also enjoy shows like “Odd Squad” and “Dino Dan” or “Dino Dana.”
The Judgment We Face
When I mention that my kids watch TV during lunch and often while having dinner, you might be horrified. You may think I’m a terrible parent, contributing to the decline of modern society and ruining American family life.
However, I’ll clarify that they are only watching documentaries, handpicked by us. These films relate to their homeschooling, focusing on paleontology or human evolution, which are their favorite science topics. So, while they munch on chicken nuggets, they might be learning about Denisovans and how their DNA has made its way into certain human populations.
This doesn’t seem like typical screen time to me. My kids can pronounce “Neanderthal,” know their historical range, and discuss various theories about their extinction, all thanks to information gleaned from a screen. Why does it matter that they learned it from a television?
Embracing the Future of Screen Time
If you talk to my husband, a high school teacher, he’ll tell you that screen time is the future. If you think you can pry your child away from their screen, remember that they are engaging with the world they will be a part of for the rest of their lives. My oldest son reads physical books, but he also reads on his Kindle Fire. Is that screen time? What about reading a Star Wars novel or comic on his device?
He often uses his tablet to research UFO sightings. In schools, students are learning through digital platforms—not just for virtual classes but also through lessons on tablets. They watch video adaptations of Shakespeare and read books on Project Gutenberg. They communicate with friends online.
The Value of Socializing Through Screens
Do you have friends you’ve only met online? So does my eleven-year-old. He plays Dungeons and Dragons with friends on Thursday nights. Particularly during the pandemic, screen-based social interactions have become essential.
Of course, some online interactions can be detrimental, and the risks of excessive screen time are well-known. We all struggle with logging off social media. And yes, allowing our kids to socialize online comes with its challenges, like exposure to inappropriate content and cyberbullying. However, using apps like Messenger Kids has helped my dysgraphic son with his writing and allowed him to stay connected with friends throughout the pandemic.
All this screen time has been valuable. It’s kept him mentally healthy during a time when he had limited interactions with other kids.
So, let’s rethink our stance on screen time. Yes, some parents may let their kids binge on video games without educational value, but much of what kids watch can be beneficial. So, don’t judge so harshly, even if my kids are currently immersed in “Amphibia.” In an hour, they’ll likely be engaged in something different.
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In summary, not all screen time is detrimental. Quality content can provide educational benefits, and social interactions through screens have become vital, especially in today’s digital age.