Use Screen Time to Engage with Children

TV, smartphones and tablets have become part of our culture. However, we shouldn't be spending every waking minute staring at a screen. Research shows both adults and children benefit from limiting their screen time to a few hours a day outside of work and school. K-State Extension child development specialist, Bradford Wiles, says screens aren't the problem…they're just a tool. He says the problem occurs when screens are being used to isolate a child rather than engage with the child. Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episode shares the expertise of K-State specialists in fields such as child nutrition, food safety, adult development and aging, youth development, family resource management, physical fitness and more. Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to [email protected]. K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan.