Doctor: Cut screen time one-hour before kids’ bedtime

Between cellphones, tablets and TVs, it’s no doubt kids are getting more screen time. How does too much screen time impact a child’s health, and what steps can parents take to cut back on it?

Dr. Noah Schwartz with Cleveland Clinic Children’s says kids should not be scrolling through their phones before bed because it’s keeping them awake. It’s recommended they have no screen time at least an hour before bed.

To cut down on screen time even more, parents can set other designated times. It’s crucial for parents to set an example for their children to follow.

“If you’re at the dinner table and you’re scrolling through and you’re looking at stuff, they’re watching you,” said Schwartz. “Kids are sponges, and they’re absorbing their environment. And so they follow what they see. And so if in the house everyone’s on the phone and the TVs on and things like that, that’s all that they’re going to know. So starting with your own practices, I think, is a great way to begin.”

Parents are encouraged to participate in their child’s screen time as much as possible, to make it more interactive.

It’s especially important for parents to watch content with younger children, so they can help explain what’s going on.